If you’re on a low income and facing financial difficulty or an emergency, support is available.

Funded by the UK Government, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) helps Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents who are struggling with the cost of living. It provides short-term help in a crisis and support to help people become more financially stable in the longer term.

The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, which ended on 31 March 2026.

Help available now

While the new CRF schemes are being introduced, you can still get help locally if you're struggling with money, food or essential costs.

Community support and local help

The communities section of our website has information about local services, wellbeing support and community resources.

Food support near you

Use our access to food map to find food banks, social supermarkets, community meal projects and low-cost food providers.

Financial advice and support

Use our worrying about money guide to find organisations that offer crisis support, money advice and emergency food.

Free, confidential advice

Citizens Advice provides advice and support with money, benefits, housing and other issues.

What support will be available soon

Different parts of the CRF will launch at different times.

Crisis payment scheme

A crisis payment scheme will become available for residents on a low income who experience a sudden financial emergency.

Support will be designed to respond quickly, helping you deal with your immediate crisis. You will also be offered advice or support to help prevent future financial difficulties.

Housing payments scheme

Support will be available to help residents facing urgent housing related costs, such as rent shortfalls or risks of homelessness.

This support replaces previous Discretionary Housing Payments and will be delivered through our benefits services under national rules.

Support to build financial resilience

Some services funded through the scheme will focus on longer term help, including:

• budgeting and money advice
• checking benefit entitlement
• help with bills, debt and energy costs
• access to affordable credit and savings options

Community based support

We will fund voluntary and community organisations to support residents affected by financial hardship. This includes:

• community food projects
• advice and outreach services
• local projects that improve financial wellbeing

This will help ensure people can access the right help, in the right place, at the right time.

How to apply for support

Information about how to apply, including eligibility and referral routes will be published on this page before each scheme launches.