The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) was launched on 1st April 2026. This new programme is intended to support low-income households who encounter a financial shock and to support activity that builds individual and community financial resilience.
The Fund aims to:
- Help residents manage immediate financial crises.
- Support households experiencing hardship.
- Prevent situations from worsening and leading to greater financial difficulties.
- Help residents maintain safe and secure accommodation.
- Promote longer-term financial resilience and wellbeing.
Free school meals
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is providing funding for free school meals to continue during school holidays.
There is no need to apply. Vouchers will be given out by schools to eligible households.
How to apply for help
There are three types of support available:
- Help to pay your rent: Help to cover a shortfall between your housing benefit/universal credit entitlement and your rent
- Help with other housing costs: Help with costs such as deposits, rent in advance, removal costs, other lump sum costs associated with moving home
- Crisis payment: Support for essential needs for people facing a financial emergency. This could be help to buy food and other essentials, emergency household items or other urgent needs
Please select the type of support you need from the options below and read the information before applying:
- Apply for help to pay your rent
- Apply for help with other housing costs
- Apply for a crisis payment
Apply for help to pay your rent
The Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments (CRFHP) scheme can support people who get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but need extra support with paying rent.
You will only be able to apply for CRFHP if you are:
- entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing element
- responsible for rent payments and need more financial help with housing costs
- your entitlement to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing element is less than your full rent after deducting any ineligible charges
When you cannot claim CRFHP
You cannot get CRFHP to pay for service charges that are not eligible for Housing Benefit, such as water or heating.
There are no rules that give anyone a right to a payment, but we may be able to pay you CRFHP if we believe you need extra financial help. There is a legal limit on the amount each council can pay each year for people in their area.
This application form is long. There is an option to save your progress at the top of each page.
Apply for help with other housing costs
The Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments (CRFHP) scheme can support people who need extra help with other housing costs such as:
- deposits
- rent in advance
- removal costs
- other lump sum costs associated with moving into a new home.
You will only be able to apply for CRFHP if you are:
- entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing element
- responsible for rent payments and need more financial help with housing costs
- your entitlement to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing element is less than your full rent after deducting any ineligible charges
When you cannot claim CRFHP
You cannot get CRFHP to pay for service charges that are not eligible for Housing Benefit, such as water or heating.
CRFHP towards deposits will not be made in any circumstance if you have been able to move in to a property without paying one. This applies even if you have been allowed to move in on the basis that a deposit will be paid at a later date.
There are no rules that give anyone a right to a payment, but we may be able to pay you CRFHP if we believe you need extra financial help. There is a legal limit on the amount each council can pay each year for people in their area.
This application form is long. There is an option to save your progress at the top of each page.
Apply for a crisis payment
Crisis Payments provide support where an applicant is facing an immediate financial emergency and requires assistance to meet essential needs.
This may include support towards:
- Food and other essential living expenses.
- Emergency household items.
- Other urgent needs where there is a risk to health, safety or wellbeing.
Each application will be assessed against the Council's eligibility criteria and available funding.
Who can apply?
To qualify for a payment under the Crisis Payment application-based scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Is a Harrow resident
- Should be liable for energy/fuel costs for the property in which they live
- Need support with meeting their day to day living expenses including food and utility bills, as evidenced by 3-months of bank statements
- Has not received an award from the Crisis Payment application scheme in the last 6 months
- Is willing to comply with any reasonable conditions concerning the payment award, including for example, receiving support from advice agencies and other support available through Resilience Services in Harrow’s CRF programme
- Is willing for the council to follow up the award with evaluation and/other referrals to other support services as part of a resilience pathway
What happens next?
Applications for help with rent and housing costs:
You will receive a letter to tell you when a decision is made.
We aim to consider applications within two months of receiving them. We will contact you to tell you our decision, or to ask for more information.
Awards of CRFHP are made on a discretionary basis. Your application does not guarantee a payment.
If you would like to check the progress of your application please sign in to your MyHarrow Account. You can view the stage of your application and any letters sent to you on the account.
Please do not contact us to check the progress of your application until after the two-month period has passed. This will enable us to process your application more quickly.
Applications for Crisis Payments
Crisis Payment applications are processed by Citizens Advice Harrow on behalf of the Council. They aim to process applications as quickly as possible.
Timescales may vary depending on:
- The number of applications received.
- Whether all supporting evidence has been provided.
- The complexity of individual circumstances.
Applications involving urgent hardship may be prioritised where appropriate.
How we will share your information
We will use the information you provide when you apply for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments to process your application. We will also use the information you provide for other purposes. For further details please download our privacy notice.
Alternative Formats and Accessibility
The London Borough of Harrow is committed to ensuring that information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund is accessible to all residents.
If you need assistance completing an application because of a disability, health condition, language requirement, digital exclusion or other support need, please contact Harrow Council.
The council is committed to ensuring that eligible residents can access the scheme fairly and equitably.
Information can be made available in alternative formats. If you require this, please see our Accessibility page.
Non-Digital Support
Residents who are unable to access online services can obtain information and support through alternative channels.
For assistance with making an application, please contact:
- Website: CitizensAdviceHarrow.org.uk
- Telephone: 0808 2505 705
- Address: 4 Gayton Road, Harrow, HA1 2FB
The Council will work with residents to ensure appropriate support is available where digital access is a barrier.
Crisis Payments Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is Harrow Council's support to help low-income households facing financial hardship, unexpected financial shocks or emergencies, while also supporting longer-term financial resilience and independence.
On behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions, Harrow Council runs the CRF which aims to provide targeted support to residents who are struggling to meet essential living costs and have no other means of assistance available.
Who can apply for the CRF Crisis Payments?
You may be eligible to apply if:
- You are a resident of the London Borough of Harrow.
- You are experiencing financial hardship or an unforeseen financial crisis.
- You have insufficient income, savings or other resources to meet your immediate essential needs.
- You meet the eligibility criteria set out in the CRF Policy.
All applications are assessed individually, taking into account household circumstances, financial need and available support options.
All other schemes within CRF are targeted support, where the council will identify and approach those residents who are eligible.
Which residents is the fund intended to support?
The CRF is intended to support residents on low incomes who are experiencing hardship. This may include:
- Older people and pensioners.
- Disabled residents and people with long-term health conditions.
- Care leavers.
- Families with dependent children.
- Carers.
- Residents affected by unemployment, reduced income or unexpected expenses.
- Residents experiencing a crisis that places their wellbeing at risk.
Meeting one of these circumstances does not automatically guarantee an award. Each application will be assessed against the scheme criteria.
Do I need to receive benefits to apply?
No. While many applicants may receive welfare benefits, entitlement to benefits is not a requirement in itself.
Applications are assessed based on financial circumstances, household needs and evidence of hardship.
What can the CRF Crisis Payment help with?
The CRF provides support towards essential needs, including:
- Food and other essential household items.
- Energy and utility costs.
- Essential household goods.
- Emergency living expenses.
- Other urgent costs that help alleviate financial hardship or support resilience.
Support will only be provided where there is a demonstrated need and where assistance is considered appropriate under the scheme.
What types of support are available?
Support may be provided in a variety of ways, including direct cash payments.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted through Harrow Council's CRF Crisis Payments application process.
Residents will be able to apply online via the council's website and, where required, assistance will be available for those unable to complete an online application independently.
Can somebody apply on my behalf?
Yes. A family member, carer, support worker, social worker or other authorised representative may assist with an application or act on your behalf where appropriate.
The council may require confirmation that you have given permission for someone to represent you.
What information will I need to provide?
You will be asked to provide evidence to support your application, including:
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of address.
- Information about your income and/or benefits.
- Bank statements.
- Evidence of the financial hardship or crisis you are experiencing.
Providing all requested information promptly will help avoid delays in processing your application.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
The third-party organisation working on behalf of the council aims to process applications as quickly as possible.
Timescales may vary depending on:
- The number of applications received.
- Whether all supporting evidence has been provided.
- The complexity of individual circumstances.
Applications involving urgent hardship may be prioritised where appropriate.
How will I be informed of the outcome?
Applicants will be notified of the outcome using the contact details provided in their application.
This may be by:
- Letter
- Telephone
The notification will explain whether support has been awarded and any next steps.
How will I receive my award?
If your application is successful, Citizens Advice Harrow will contact you to tell you:
- The amount you have been awarded (cash awards are £100).
- How and when you will receive your support.
You will receive two text messages on your mobile phone:
- First text message – this will include:
- The amount of your award
- Your order number
- The expiry date
- Instructions on how to collect your cash
- Second text message – this will include:
- A link showing nearby participating Cashzone ATMs
- Directions to help you find the most convenient location
Please note: Not all Cashzone ATMs take part in this service, so you must use the ATM locator provided in the text message.
Where do I collect my award?
You can collect your cash award from a participating Cashzone ATM.
How do I collect my cash?
When you arrive at the ATM:
- Select "Cardless Transaction" on the ATM screen.
- Enter:
- Your mobile phone number
- Your 4-digit order number
- Your 4-digit PIN (secret code)
- The award amount shown in your text message
- The ATM will check your details and, if they are correct, will release your cash.
Important information
Collecting your cash usually takes less than a minute.
You have up to six attempts to enter your details correctly. After six unsuccessful attempts, the order will be cancelled.
Make sure you collect your cash before the expiry date shown in your text message.
Can I apply more than once?
The CRF is intended to provide support where there is a genuine need. Applications cannot be made more than once in a 6-month period. Repeat applications may be considered where:
- A new financial crisis arises.
- Circumstances have significantly changed.
- The application meets the scheme's eligibility requirements.
Any subsequent application will be assessed on its own merits.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If an application is not approved, Citizens Advice Harrow will explain the reason for the decision. The decision is final.
Where possible, applicants may be referred or signposted to alternative sources of support, including welfare advice, debt advice, employment support, charity assistance and other local services.
What should I do if I need urgent help?
Residents experiencing immediate hardship are encouraged to seek support as soon as possible.
Citizens Advice Harrow may be able to provide advice and support for residents experiencing financial difficulties
Citizens Advice Harrow: 0808 250 5705
Further Information
For full details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, assessment processes and payment arrangements, please refer to the Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund Policy.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund was approved at the Cabinet Meeting on 9th July 2026.
Please note: Submission of an application does not guarantee that support will be awarded. All applications will be assessed against the Crisis and Resilience Fund Policy, eligibility criteria, available evidence and remaining budget. The Council reserves the right to refuse applications that do not meet the requirements of the scheme.
30 units
To number 30 units and name a block of flats:
The first 5 units cost £265 each. 5 x £265 = £1,325
The next 15 units cost £45 each. 15 x £45 = £675
The next 10 units cost £50 each. 10 x £50 = £500
The naming of the block costs £300
The combined total is £2,800
