The new Crisis & Resilience Fund, and heating oil support

Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF)

From April 2026, Mid Devon District Council administers the Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF). This Government-funded programme replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Housing Payments (HP).

The CRF is designed to support residents on a low income who experience a financial shock, while also helping people build resilience to avoid future crises.

What the Crisis & Resilience Fund provides - the CRF offers:

• Fast, flexible support when a low-income household is facing immediate financial hardship
• Help to prevent future crises by improving financial resilience
• Connections to services that can support with income, debt, housing and wellbeing
• A joined-up approach across Devon through a "no wrong door" model, helping residents access the right support quickly
• Housing Payment - Are discretionary payments that may help if your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs do not meet your full rent, leaving a shortfall.

Support is targeted based on individual circumstances at the time of application.

What the Crisis & Resilience Fund is not - the CRF isn’t:

• A guaranteed payment for everyone
• A replacement for benefits such as Universal Credit
• A long-term income support scheme
• A scheme that can clear all debts
• An emergency service for life-threatening situations (call 999 in an emergency)

Support is targeted at people who need it most, based on circumstances at the time.

Our focus - the CRF goes beyond short-term financial help. It aims to support residents to:

• Build financial stability
• Develop budgeting and money management skills
• Increase household income where possible
• Reduce repeat crisis situations
• Strengthen confidence and independence

When you apply, you may also be connected to longer-term support services to help improve your overall financial wellbeing.

How to get help - full details will be published on this page, including:

• How to apply
• What information or evidence you may need to provide
• Types of support available
• How decisions are made
• Expected timescales for support

This page will be updated once the scheme is fully approved.

Help if you need support to apply - we are committed to making the application process accessible. Support will include:

• Assistance for people who are not confident using online services
• Help for people with disabilities or language needs
• Options to apply with support from a professional or organisation

Heating Oil Support

Additional funding is available through the CRF to help low-income households who rely on heating oil and are struggling with rising costs. This support is intended for residents at immediate risk of losing heating or hot water and who cannot afford to buy oil.

Who is considered on a low income?

A household may be considered on a low income if they receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Support

OR

• They do not have enough resources to resolve the immediate crisis without going into unmanageable debt or going without essential items such as food

Eligibility criteria for heating oil support

You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:

• The property is your only property and main residence
• You are responsible for purchasing heating oil for your household
• Your primary heating source is oil
• You are on a low income
• You are at immediate risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water

You may be asked to provide evidence, such as a photo or screenshot of your oil tank gauge or monitoring system.

How to apply for heating oil support

To apply:

• Complete the online application form below
• Provide details about your household income and expenditure
• Submit any requested supporting evidence
• Please provide as much information as possible to support your application.
• If you need help applying:
• A friend or family member can apply on your behalf
• You can contact Customer First on 01884 255 255 for assistance

Important information

Not all households will be eligible for support:

• Applications will be assessed based on need and available funding
• You will be required to supple evidence to verify your situation
• Oil quote (1 month) or statement or payment receipt in the last 12 months.
• 2 months bank statements for all accounts in your name for all adult members of your household.

For updates and application details, please revisit this page regularly.

Privacy Statement

The data collected in this form is used only for its intended purpose, or in pursuance of any other legitimate interest held by the Council and is held in accordance with the Council’s Records Management Policy. Your personal information may also be processed to facilitate the provision of services in respect of any of the Council's activities or for the prevention and detection of crime and fraud. Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation 2016 & Data Protection Act 2018, Mid Devon District Council is the Data Controller for the information you have given us. For more information, visit our website.