The Crisis and Resilience Fund is a government grant given to local authorities to support low-income households who encounter a financial shock and to support activity that builds financial resilience. The Crisis and Resilience Fund combines previous funding from the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments scheme.
The total allocation of this fund for Rotherham Council for 2026/27 is £5.2 million.
Find out more about cost-of-living support from the Government’s Cost of Living Hub.
Crisis Payment Scheme
This support fund is there to help those on low incomes if they experience a financial crisis, for example an accident or health emergency, a kitchen appliance breaking down, or an inability to pay fuel bills. These examples are not exhaustive and cases will be assessed on their own merits.
When you receive or apply for a crisis payment, you will also be signposted to other support and advice.
Support for families with children
A one-off payment of £95 will be paid directly to eligible families before the summer holiday in 2026.
All eligible families in receipt of free school meals will receive the payment via their children’s schools. There is no need to apply.
If you think you are eligible but are not attending a mainstream Rotherham school, please make an enquiry to the Council's Schools Finance Team
Local Council Tax Support top‑up
The Council is continuing to top up the Local Council Tax Support Scheme to ensure that the lowest income households in receipt of Local Council Tax Support do not have to pay Council Tax in 2026/27 or have their bills significantly reduced.
Households receiving Local Council Tax Support will be awarded the extra support automatically and do not need to make an additional application.
Apply for local Council Tax support
Housing Payments
The Housing Payments – previously Discretionary Housing Payments - are extra payments to help pay rent.
They can be awarded to people who are already receiving Housing Benefit or get the housing element of Universal Credit but need more help with housing costs.
Open Arms Rotherham
The Council continues to support the Open Arms project via the Crisis and Resilience Fund. This project, delivered by local voluntary sector organisations, offers regular drop-in sessions in libraries and food banks across Rotherham. Experienced staff are on hand to offer advice and support for people who are struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
Find out more at Rotherham Federation’s website here.
Other community-based support
Local food banks continue to provide valuable support to residents needing to draw on crisis food provision.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will provide for further assistance with the provision of household goods including cleaning materials and personal hygiene products alongside food and other support. Access will be through the usual service provided by local food banks, supported by FareShare South Yorkshire, and Open Arms drop-in sessions as advertised.
There will also be a further Christmas and New Year food hamper scheme operated by Voluntary Action Rotherham. Further details will follow later in the year.
Support for care leavers
The Council, through its Children and Young People’s Services Directorate, is providing additional living support for food and utility bills for young people leaving care and setting up home. The Council works directly with the young people concerned and there is no need for any additional application process.
