A new way of supporting Portsmouth residents in financial hardship is up and running.
The new Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund from 1 April. It has an increased focus on giving residents preventative support to help them become more financially resilient.
Portsmouth City Council will still offer financial support through crisis or housing payments, and it will be funding a wide range of services and activities designed to help residents manage their money or debt.
New crisis payment scheme now open
A crisis payment scheme has opened and provides support for households who have experienced an unexpected financial shock, such as a sudden loss of income or an emergency cost. Support may include a cash payment, vouchers or essential items, depending on a household’s individual needs.
Applicants will need to meet the eligibility criteria and show they’re facing a financial crisis, and the scheme is due to remain open until March 2029. Find out more: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/crf
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“Our commitment to helping people in the greatest hardship in the city is unwavering. This new way of supporting people has been rolled out nationally, and we are determined to make it a success here and continue to offer people the support they need.
Any change is uncertain, and I strongly advise people in difficulty to contact our staff, who are here to help.”
Help to apply
Applying online is the quickest way, but anyone who would like help to apply can call the crisis and resilience fund helpline: 023 9268 8010.
- Our cost of living hub website has information including where to get help with food, energy and travel bills, low cost activities, money, debt, housing, jobs and health and wellbeing support.
- Our cost of living helpline is open weekdays on 023 9284 1047
Housing Payment
The CRF also provides housing payments (formerly known as Discretionary Housing Payments). This provides short-term help with housing costs in certain circumstances.
Full information can be found on the dedicated webpage; Housing Payment.
CRF grants for organisations:
Grant funding opportunities are also open for organisations to deliver resilience services or community coordination initiatives, to help people to manage their finances and more easily access the support they need.
Grants are being offered between £500 and a maximum of £50,000. Applications close on 31 May 2026.
Full details are included on the council’s CRF webpage: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/crf