Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) replaced the Household Support Fund on 1 April 2026.

The fund is provided by the UK Government and will support people across the Bradford district from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

The fund will help people who are facing a sudden financial crisis or an unexpected loss of income. It will also help people improve their long-term financial wellbeing by increasing access to welfare benefits and debt advice services.

We are currently developing the local scheme and new support services will be introduced during 2026 and 2027.

We will update this page as more information becomes available, including who can apply and how to apply.

Crisis payments

Residents of the Bradford district who are experiencing a financial crisis will be able to apply for a Crisis Payment.

We are currently developing the Crisis Payment scheme and applications will open later in 2026.

In the meantime, if you need urgent help with food, energy costs or essential household items, support may be available through the schemes below.

Essential household items

The council's Assisted Purchase Scheme helps people buy essential household items.

Items available through the scheme include:

beds
electric cookers
fridge freezers
microwaves
washing machines

Apply for the Assisted Purchase Scheme.

Emergency fuel help

We may be able to provide emergency support for residents who use prepayment gas or electricity meters. Funding is limited.

Before requesting help, you should contact your energy supplier to see what support they can offer.

You may also find the information provided by Citizens Advice helpful.

If you still need help and receive one or more of the following benefits, contact one of our partner advice services for support and assessment:

Universal Credit
income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Pension Credits
Tax Credits

Partner advice services

If you pay for your gas or electricity after you use it, rather than through a prepayment meter, you should contact your energy supplier directly for support.

Find out what help is available for energy costs.

Housing Payments

Housing Payments replaced Discretionary Housing Payments on 1 April 2026.

For information about eligibility and how to apply, visit our Housing Payment page.

Welfare and debt advice

We are working with community organisations and advice providers to improve access to welfare benefits advice, money advice and debt support across the district.

We will update our Benefits and Welfare Advice and Help page as more services become available.

Other support

Food support

If you need emergency food or are looking for low-cost food options, visit the Bradford Foodbanks website.

You can search using your postcode to find local foodbanks and food pantries.

Some services accept self-referrals. Others require a referral from an organisation that already supports you, such as:

a community group
your GP surgery
your child's school

Details of referral arrangements are available on the Bradford Foodbanks website.

Cost of living support

For advice, information and practical tips, visit the Cost of Living Bradford website.

You can also visit the government's Help for Households website for information about the support available with everyday living costs.