CRF - Housing Payments

The Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment (CRF‑Housing Payment) is money from the UK Government that local councils, including Sunderland City Council, can use to give extra help with housing costs.

CRF Housing Payments replace Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) from 1 April 2026. Overall, the CRF Housing Payment Scheme is similar to the previous DHP scheme. 

The Government gives the council a CRF Housing Payment budget within its overall CRF Budget that it needs to work to.

What the CRF‑Housing Payment can help with

A CRF‑Housing Payment may be given if you need extra financial help with your housing costs.

For most people, this support is short‑term, usually for up to 26 weeks. 

To apply a CRF‑Housing Payment, you must qualify and have applied for Universal Credit (with Housing Costs) or Housing Benefit.

The payment can help if: 

Your Universal Credit Housing Costs Payment or Housing Benefit does not cover all of your eligible rent (eligible rent does not include water rates/sewerage charges or some other service charges), or if you need help with other housing costs.

For more details, please see the CRF Housing Payment Frequently Asked Questions.

Purpose of the scheme

This scheme is designed to: 

• Provide temporary financial help
• Give you time to improve your financial or personal situation

Because the budget is limited, we consider each application individually. Unfortunately, we are not able to support everyone long‑term, even if you are trying to improve your situation.

If you are struggling with money, benefits, debt, or housing, there are free support services in Sunderland that can help at Managing your money and Get help and advice.

Sunderland City Council has partnered with Lightning Reach to help residents access the financial support they may be eligible for. Lightning Reach is a free, secure online portal that helps people find and apply for financial assistance - all in one place. To find out more and apply, visit Lightning Reach. 

For more information see the CRF Housing Payment Policy.

How we assess your application

We will carry out a telephone assessment to see if you qualify.

We will look at and discuss:

• Your housing situation
• Your income
• Your spending
• Any steps you have taken to improve your circumstances
• Any barriers you face (for example, health conditions or support needs)
• Whether you are able to move home or not

You will be asked to provide evidence, such as:

• Proof of income and savings
• Details of your household costs
• Medical or similar evidence if your circumstances mean you need to stay in your current home

Note: If you do not provide the requested supporting evidence, your claim will be refused.

How to apply

• Complete the online form: CRF‑Housing Payment application form or
• Apply by phone (if you cannot complete the online form) by contacting the council's Home and Money Team on 0191 520 5551. A member of staff will complete the application with you.

Information you will need when applying

It helps to have the following ready:

• Identification and National Insurance numbers
• Details of your income and earnings
• Savings and capital
• Information about your household
• Your rent and tenancy details

You may be asked to provide evidence, for example, bank statements or medical information.

If your application is refused

If you think we made the wrong decision, you can request a review within one month of the date on your decision letter. To do this, please complete the CRF ‑ Housing Payment Review Form and email it to [email protected], or print off a paper copy and hand it in at City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland SR1 3AA.