Funding
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a new three-year scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, which started on 1 April 2026. This replaces the previous Household Support Fund, which closed on 31 March 2026. Help with the current high cost of heating oil will be available to low-income households through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
In Devon applications for help from the CRF will be processed by district councils and voluntary and community sector partners.
Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund, and how to apply.
Further financial support
- Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help.
Money
- The government has published the Help For Households website that gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available so that you can find out what is available and where you can find help.
- The government MoneyHelper website has guidance and advice on managing your money in uncertain times, along with everything you need to know about the cost of living support package as well as advisors who can support you.
Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments
The government is encouraging pensioners to check if they qualify for pension credit, and if so, to apply for it in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
If you get Pension Credit, you might also qualify to get other help, including:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- a Council Tax discount
- a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 years old or over
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single; or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.
You could get additional benefits depending on your circumstances.
You can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months.
You can apply online, over the telephone, or by post.
Currently, only 63 per cent of people who are eligible nationwide for Pension Credit are receiving it. That’s nearly four in every 10 pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit, because of their low income, aren’t claiming it.
Visit the government’s website to find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit.
Debt support
If you are struggling with bills or worried about debt you don’t need to struggle alone. You can get advice from Citizens Advice online, over the phone, or by contacting your local Citizens Advice office.
You may also find these resources useful:
- National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust with a free and confidential debt advice service.
- MoneySavingExpert.com is a consumer website that provides lots of advice on how to cut costs and save money, including a cost of living crisis survival guide.