Crisis and Resilience Fund housing payments

Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments (CRF HPs) are short-term, discretionary payments to help residents who already receive Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance, or the housing costs element of Universal Credit but are still struggling to meet their rent.

There are no rules that give anyone a right to a payment. We may be able to help if you need extra financial support, but the Council has a limit to the amount of funding available, and we must consider each application on its individual merits.

What the payments can help with

• Ongoing rent shortfalls where your housing-related benefit does not cover your full rent (for example due to the benefit cap, Local Housing Allowance shortfall, or the under-occupation rules for social housing tenants (bedroom tax).
• Rent arrears where there are exceptional circumstances.
• Other one-off housing-related costs in exceptional situations (for example, removal costs).
• In some cases, a payment may be considered for a past period (backdating), provided you were receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit for that period.

What the payments cannot help with

• Ineligible service charges (for example, water, sewerage, or charges for furniture).
• Increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears.
• Shortfalls caused by benefit sanctions or other reductions due to non-compliance with Department for Work and Pensions requirements.
• Periods where Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element is suspended.
• Shortfalls caused by recovery of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit overpayments.
• Housing costs if you are not receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (for example, where you only receive Council Tax Support).

Who can apply

• You must be receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
• You must have a rent shortfall or other clear need for further financial assistance with housing costs.
• Owner-occupiers are not eligible unless you are in shared ownership and have a rental liability.
• We will look at your individual circumstances, including your income, savings and essential outgoings.

Information you will need to provide

• Details of your income, savings and essential outgoings.
• Your most recent 3 months’ bank statements for all accounts held by you (and your partner, if applicable).
• Evidence of your rent and tenancy (your rental liability).
• Any other information that helps explain your circumstances (for example, health issues, caring responsibilities, risk of homelessness, or any exceptional costs).

If you are vulnerable, or need support to apply, someone can apply on your behalf (for example an appointee, support worker or family member) where it is reasonable to do so. Support may also be available from Citizens Advice Surrey Heath.

How to apply 

You can apply for discretionary housing payment using our online system.

Login or register Apply for Crisis and Resilience Fund housing payments

If you are unable to access the system online, you can email us at revenues@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email) and ask us to send you a paper form.

What happens next

We will consider your application and contact you to let you know the result. If we make an award, we will tell you how much you will receive, how it will be paid, and how long it will last (if it is not a one-off payment).

The amount we award will not usually be more than your weekly Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. Payments can be made to you, your landlord, or another third party where appropriate.

In some circumstances, we may consider longer-term awards (for example, where you are disabled and live in specially adapted accommodation, or you have ongoing exceptional needs).

If you don’t agree with our decision, you can ask the Council for a senior officer to look at your application again. As this is a discretionary payment, the normal benefit appeals process does not apply, and the senior officer’s decision will be final.

Keeping us informed 

You must tell us about any changes in your circumstances, as this could affect your payment. We may stop payments if you no longer need further financial assistance, or if we find the award was made due to error or misrepresentation. Any overpayment may be recoverable.

Who we may prioritise

• Victims of domestic abuse.
• Families with children at critical points in their education.
• People with disabilities or significant health needs.
• Residents affected by the benefit cap, Local Housing Allowance shortfall, or bedroom tax.
• Families with kinship care arrangements.
• Residents at risk of homelessness.
• Other vulnerable groups, depending on individual circumstances.