Last updated: 3 June 2026
This page is for residents of Portsmouth City Council, living in PO1 to PO6, and these PO7 areas: PO7 5AT, PO7 5AU, PO7 5AX, PO7 5AY, PO7 5AZ, PO7 5BA, PO7 5BS, PO7 5BT or PO7 5BU.
If you live in Hampshire, visit the Hampshire County Council Website.
About the Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is money from the government given to councils to help low-income households facing a financial crisis. It also supports services that build financial resilience for individual and communities.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) has ended and all HSF schemes are closed.
The CRF is running for three years, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. It offers support in four main ways below.
Crisis Payments
Crisis Payments help if you have an unexpected financial crisis, such as a sudden loss of income or an emergency cost. Support may be provided as a cash payment, vouchers or essential items, depending on your household’s needs.
The scheme is open until March 2029.
Eligibility
You must meet the criteria in the CRF Crisis Payments Policy.
What you need to provide
You need to tell us why you need help and provide evidence of your income and bank accounts. You must also show that you have actively taken steps to improve your financial situation, such as getting advice or support.
We’ll give payment if there’s clear evidence that you need help to keep warm, afford food, and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
If you have received a crisis payment before, we’ll take this into account. This may affect your application.
How to apply
You can find out more and apply online.
Funding is limited. We may reduce the payment if demand is high.
If you already get support from the council (for example, from social care, housing service, or a community support service), your support worker can refer you to and help with your application.
If you cannot apply online and do not have support, call our helpline on 023 9268 8010.
The council reserves the right to make changes to this scheme, to improve the process and manage demand. Check this page for the latest information.
If you need urgent help
If you are in immediate financial crisis, contact a trusted professional such as your housing officer or social worker, or visit Advice Portsmouth. They can help you find appropriate services and any available financial support.
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.
Find full details on the Housing Payment page.
Resilience services (for organisations)
Funding is available for local services that help residents improve their financial wellbeing, including money and debt advice, support to increase income, and help to build savings.
The first application window is now closed. It may reopen later this year, depending on available funds.
Information about successfully funded services will be added to this page once decisions are finalised.
Community coordination (for organisations)
This funding supports local activities that help residents access support more easily.
The first application window is now closed. It may reopen later this year, depending on available funds.
Information about successfully funded activity will be added to this page once decisions are finalised.
Other help and support
Money advice
Our cost of living hub has information to help households with essential costs such as food, energy, travel and bills. It also covers jobs and skills, health and wellbeing, money matters, housing, and family support.
Visit our money advice page for free help to save money, manage debt, and ensure you receive all the entitlements.
Help with food
We’re funding local services that support people with the cost of living, including foodbanks and community pantries. Visit our help with food page.
Household essentials
If you struggle to afford household items or other essentials, check our directory for local and national services.
Energy bills
You can find out how to lower your energy bills at Switched on Portsmouth or call the free helpline on 0800 260 5907. If you’re on a low income or receive a disability benefit, you may be eligible for a free home energy advice visit.
Most energy and water companies also offer social tariffs with cheaper rates for people on low incomes. Contact your suppliers or visit their websites to check if you qualify.
Community support
Explore the HIVE directory to find local organisations supporting our communities across Portsmouth.