Crisis Resilience Fund Housing Payment

Formerly referred to as Discretionary Housing Payments - DHP

The UK Government, through the Department of Work and Pensions, has introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for local authorities for the period from April 2026 to March 2029. The Housing Payment element of this scheme will continue to be managed by High Peak Borough Council.

The Crisis Resilience Fund Housing Payment Scheme is designed to help people who need additional financial support with their housing costs.

It is extra money that the Council can pay on top of the claimants normal Housing Benefit (HB) or Universal Credit (UC) entitlement if it considers that extra help is required and is funded from the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

In order to apply you must be in receipt of HB or the housing element of UC.

If you are asking for arrears to be considered you must have been in receipt of HB or the housing element within UC for the period that the arrears relate to, and the arrears must relate to a shortfall between the amount that you received and the rent payable. If your full rent has already been considered through HB or the housing element within UC, we will not be able to consider an award .

This scheme can also be used to support with rent arrears or rent in advance, deposits and moving costs in certain circumstances. Please note that a Housing Payment can only be awarded for a rent deposit or rent in advance for a property that the claimant is yet to move into if they are already entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, which includes the housing element, at their present home.

If you require help with removal costs, please ensure that you provide evidence of the moving date.

The Council considers that this discretionary scheme should be primarily seen as a short-term emergency fund. It should not be considered as a permanent way around any current or future entitlement restrictions set out within the Housing Benefit legislation. High Peak Borough Council will operate the Crisis Resilience Fund Housing Payment Scheme in accordance with their policy. This means that not everyone who claims will receive a payment.

Our policy is currently being updated and will be available shortly.

How to apply

You can apply for a Housing Payment online.

What happens next

Once you submit your form, we will send you an email confirmation. It's really important that you get all the information we've requested to us as soon as possible, otherwise your claim could be delayed. If we have everything we need, your claim should be processed within 21 working days.

Re-applying for a Housing Payment

If you want to reapply after an initial award, we will only consider claims if you're able to show that you have special circumstances, or that you've taken steps to help your circumstances. This would include seeking cheaper accommodation, additional income or help with your budget.