Crisis and Resilience Fund - Housing Payment
There are two types of Crisis and Resilience Fund - Housing Payment (CRF- HP). There is a separate form for each one.
1. CRF- HP for help with rent at current address
CRF- HP are payments made by the council where it is satisfied that a person needs extra financial help with their housing costs (i.e., their rent).
Who can claim a Crisis and Resilience Fund - Housing Payment?
Anybody receiving housing benefit or housing costs within their universal credit can make a claim, where there is a shortfall between the rent liability and the benefit awarded.
However, the CRF-HP cannot be paid for service charges that housing benefit cannot cover, for example water rates, electricity and personal care.
We will consider a request for a CRF-HP where a person can show that there is a genuine need for further help with their rent and where there are special circumstances to support that need. The council has complete discretion when deciding whom to make payments to.
How to claim a Crisis and Resilience Fund - Housing Payment
If you are downloading an application form, please complete it and return it to us with proof of all your expenditure and debts.
If you rent from a private landlord please provide proof of the amount of rent charge, rent paid and arrears to date.
What happens next?
We will look at your form and may contact you for more information.
Your application will be considered, and we will send you a letter/email to advise you of the decision.
How will an award be made?
We will decide whether to pay direct to your landlord or to you.
Changes of circumstances
You must inform us immediately of any change in your income and circumstances and the income and circumstances of anyone who lives in your household.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, you must inform them of all changes and provide our benefits team with updated UC awards.
It is a criminal offence to obtain monies dishonestly and the council will not hesitate to use its powers to prosecute if necessary.
2. CRF- HP for upfront costs
If there is a need to move properties, a CRF-HP may be requested to pay for:
- Rent deposit
- Rent in advance
- Moving costs
Please note that a person must be in receipt of housing benefit or housing costs within their universal credit at their current address to request a CRF-HP for deposit, rent in advance or moving costs regarding their intended new address. There must be a need for the move.
A CRF-HP will not usually be awarded where it is considered that a rent being charged for a property is excessive or where the accommodation is too large for a person’s needs, and other suitable accommodation is available.
How to claim a Crisis and Resilience Fund - Housing Payment
You can either complete a claim online or download an application form and complete and return it to us.
If you are downloading an application form, please provide bank statements and three removal quotes (if need help with moving costs).
What happens next?
We will look at your form and may contact you and the potential landlord for more information.
Your application will be considered, and we will send you a letter to advise you of the decision.
How will an award be made?
A CRF-HP for deposit and/or rent in advance is usually made to the potential landlord.
A CRF-HP for removal costs is usually made to you.
Further information
If you require any further information, you can contact us as follows:
- Email: lancasterbenefits@preston.gov.uk
- Post: Benefits and Customer Services, PO Box 4, Town Hall, Lancaster LA1 1QR
- Telephone: 01524 582965
- Visit: Lancaster or Morecambe Town Hall
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Last updated: 22 May 2026