Crisis and Resilience Fund - from 1 April 2026
The Household Support Fund is due to end on 31 March 2026. The government has announced plans to introduce a new Crisis and Resilience Fund from April 2026.
The new fund is intended to:
- Offer short‑term crisis support to people on low incomes
- Help with unexpected financial pressures, such as household emergencies, loss of income, or utility costs
- Provide councils with funding to support crisis assistance, housing‑related help, and work with partner organisations
- Help residents become more financially resilient
- By focusing on recovery and stability, the fund aims to reduce the risk of repeat crises, helping residents build greater financial security and cope better with future shocks
The government has indicated that this funding is expected to run for at least three years, with up to £1 billion per year across England, subject to future funding decisions.
Councils are expected to publish details of their local scheme and aim to open applications from 1 April 2026.
Existing Household Support Scheme ending on 31 March 2025
Support for families with children eligible for Free School Meals
The scheme will help around 47,000 children in Manchester, it includes:
- £30 per child for the 2025/2026 Easter holiday
- £15 per child for the 2025/2026 May half-term
- £50 per child for the 2025/2026 Summer holiday
- £15 per child for the 2025/2026 October half-term
- £30 per child for the 2025/2026 Christmas holiday
- £15 per child for the 2025/2026 February half-term
Payments will be distributed by Manchester schools. Arrangements will be made for children attending school outside Manchester. This includes pupils in nursery classes and sixth form.
Support for Care Leavers
Care leavers under 25 living in their own tenancies will receive:
- £10 per week for up to 52 weeks.
Payments will be managed by the Leaving Care Team.
Support for households receiving specific benefits
Households receiving Council Tax Support and a disability benefit, for example, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will get £130. Only one payment will be made per household.
Payments
- If you pay council tax by Direct Debit: Payments will go directly into your bank account.
- If you pay council tax by cash at PayPoint, or by Standing order, bank transfer or online, or if you have no council tax to pay: You'll receive a Post Office Payout voucher by post. It can be cashed at any Post Office.
Payments to bank accounts - These will be credited to designated accounts from 31 October 2025. Payment can take between 3-5 days based on your bank.
The Post Office will begin sending Post Office Payout vouchers from the week commencing 3 November 2025.
Other funding
- £250,000 for the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector.
- £40,000 for the Welfare Provision Scheme to support energy and household costs in a crisis.
Applying for urgent support
Residents in crisis can apply for help from the Welfare Provision Scheme (WPS). £40,000 of the fund is allocated to this scheme, allowing two payments within 12 months. If eligible, the second award will be funded by the Household Support Fund.
If you need urgent help, complete the WPS application form and choose 'other reason' as the reason for assistance.
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