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.
The CRF is designed to offer targeted help to people on low incomes who experience an unexpected financial shock, such as a sudden loss of income or an essential cost they cannot afford. At the same time support to promote longer term financial resilience will be offered.
Heating oil support
Help with the current high cost of heating oil will be available to low-income households through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. It is not available to all homes heated by oil, and eligibility criteria will apply.
Eligibility for help
Funding is aimed at low-income households who are struggling to pay for essentials (you do not necessarily have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council). If you do get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
How to apply
Anyone facing sudden financial difficulty can contact their local district council to find out how to access their local Crisis and Resilience scheme, or they can speak to Citizens Advice Devon.
More information about eligibility and how to apply is can be found on your local district or city council website:
- East Devon District Council – CRF information
- Exeter City Council – CRF information
- Mid Devon District Council – CRF information
- North Devon District Council – CRF information
- South Hams District Council – CRF information | Help for heating oil costs information
- Teignbridge District Council CRF information
- Torridge District Council – CRF information
- West Devon Borough Council – CRF information | Help for heating oil costs information
If you’re not sure which council area you are in, use the GOV.UK tool to Find your local council.