Croydon Council launch new scheme to help with housing costs and sudden financial shock. 

Details of how the government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) will operate in Croydon have now been published on the council’s website.

The fund replaces the Housing Support Fund which enabled councils in England to help vulnerable households with the cost of essentials. The new CRF is intended to provide a safety net for those on low incomes, and includes help with housing‑related costs and support to improve financial stability.

To apply for the council scheme you have to be over 18 and living in Croydon, and have experienced a financial shock such as a sudden unexpected expense or drop in income. You do not need to be on benefits to claim. If you are on benefits, this will not affect your claim.

The fund helps with essential one‑off costs when there is no other way to pay for them.

The assistance includes:

  • food vouchers
  • debt with energy bills and water bills
    energy top-up (pre-pay meters)
  • essential goods (one white goods)
  • housing costs (excluding mortgage payments).

Extra help is provided for people on housing benefit or receiving Universal Credit who experience a shortfall in rent, rent arrears or both. Claims can also be made to cover an advance in rent or a deposit, and removal costs only.

However, CRF payments are not awarded automatically because your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover your rent.

Various documents are needed to support a claim. Full details are on the Council’s website here.