What support is available after the Household Support Fund?

A new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is being launched from 1st April 2026 to replace the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The CRF will last for 3 years and is available to support low-income households who encounter a ‘financial shock,’ which can be described as ‘a sudden, unexpected expense or drop in income.’ The new fund will also support residents with longer term financial resilience and preventative support to communities.

More information about the CRF and how to apply will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, there is other support available including the Council’s Benefits Calculator and Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) scheme:

Benefits Calculator

The Council’s online benefits calculator tool is available to all residents. You can use calculator to check whether you are receiving all of the benefits you’re entitled to and if you’re entitled to claim any additional support to improve your income.

The calculator can also reduce your household expenses by recommending if you are eligible for cheaper social tariffs on your household bills.

Follow this link to use the Benefits Calculator: Benefits Calculator.

HELP scheme

The Council also offers discretionary support for vulnerable residents facing crisis or emergency situations through our HELP scheme. This scheme can help with foodbank vouchers, emergency energy credit or refurbished furniture / white goods.

For urgent crisis support, please contact the team on 0808 175 3599 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

For more information or to apply for support with household goods, please visit Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) | Cheshire West and Chester Council.