Applying for the Crisis and Resilience Fund (Housing Payment) video transcript

Introduction

Welcome to Walsall Council's "how-to" guide on applying for the Crisis and Resilience Fund, Housing Payment.

Imagine facing a sudden financial crisis with no immediate help. Funded by the UK Government, the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, launching April 2026, aims to replace previous support funds. This fund provides crucial support, including housing payments. It's designed to help if you are struggling to pay rent, and connect you with local services for ongoing assistance.

Before you apply

To be eligible for housing payments, you must receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with the housing element.

Before you apply, you will need your personal details, including your National Insurance number, financial information such as income, savings and expenses, evidence of your situation, such as a recent bank statement. You'll also need evidence of rent arrears or a shortfall.

Application process

To get started, go to walsall.gov.uk and select "Benefits and cost of living support". Scroll down and select "Apply for the Crisis and Resilience Fund". If you are struggling to pay rent, you should select "Apply for a housing payment". Then select the "Apply for CRF" button.

On the next page use your email address and password to log in. Don't have an account? Select the "Register Here" button to create one.

At the start of the request, you will be shown what you are applying for. Read the compliance statement carefully, and agree to the declarations before you continue. On the next page select "Prefill from my Account Information". Enter your National Insurance number and Employment type then select "Continue." Confirm your details and select "Continue to Benefits Calculator" if they are correct. Then select the button again to continue.

On the next page, answer questions about your household and finances. When you have answered these you will be shown an estimate of your benefits. Select the "Complete full benefits calculator" button to continue.

Once complete, you will be shown what benefits you may be able to apply for. However, to continue with your housing payment application, scroll back to the top and select the "Continue" button. On the next page, please provide all the income for your household, all expenditure and any debt repayment information. Check your answers and select "Continue to Questions."

Then tell us if you are receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with the housing element. Answer a few more questions about your property, household and financial help. Confirm your answers and select "Continue to Upload documents."

Uploading documents

Here you will be required to upload your bank statement and any other documents that support your application. If you need help with this you can watch our helpful guide to uploading documents by selecting the link.

Final steps

On the next page, enter the details of the account that you would like the payment to be paid into. Then select "Continue". You will then be asked to agree to identity checks with a Credit Reference Agency. Enter the declaration code in the text box directly underneath. Read the declaration carefully and again enter the declaration number in the text box. Finally, select "Complete your Request".

Application complete

Your request has been submitted. You will be shown your reference number and receive an email confirming this. Our team will review the application and contact you as soon as possible.

Need help?

If you need help getting online you can visit your local Walsall Connected centre for support. We recommend calling ahead to check the opening times and availability. Select the link to find your nearest Walsall Connected centre.

If you wish to speak to someone for more information about what has been covered in this video, you can contact Walsall Council Benefits service on 0300 555 2855.

Got a question? Ask WALIS our chatbot on Walsall.gov.uk.