Households in the Midlands that were receiving assistance through the £200 hardship grant scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have been provided with an important update.
Over the past year, Birmingham City Council, in collaboration with the DWP, has been distributing these hardship grants as part of the national Household Support Fund (HSF) programme, aimed at alleviating the cost of living pressures faced by struggling families.
However, as of March 27, the scheme has officially closed, marking the end of the HSF programme. This article will explain the closure of the scheme, what it means for applicants, and how the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is set to provide continued support to those in need.
The Hardship Grant Scheme and Its Closure
The hardship grant payments, funded by the DWP’s Household Support Fund, were designed to help households struggling with the rising cost of living. Birmingham City Council has been administering these payments, which were available to eligible individuals and families facing financial hardship.
The scheme, which was introduced to support communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, officially ended on March 27, as the national Household Support Fund also concluded.
Current Status of Applications
As the hardship grant community fund is no longer accepting new applications or enquiries, a spokesperson for Birmingham City Council confirmed the scheme’s closure. If you have already submitted an enquiry form and received email confirmation of approval, you are still on the waiting list.
The council has assured applicants that they will be contacted by a member of the Household Support Fund team within three to four weeks to complete their full application. However, due to a high volume of enquiries, applicants are urged to be patient as the team processes applications.
The Transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
The government has now replaced the Household Support Fund with a new programme called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), effective from April 1.
This new fund is intended to continue supporting local authorities in helping residents who are struggling with the cost of living. The CRF differs from the HSF as it not only assists those in crisis situations but also aims to offer preventative support to communities to enhance their resilience in the long term.
Key Features of the Crisis and Resilience Fund
- Financial Support for Communities: Local authorities will continue to receive government funding to support vulnerable households facing financial crises.
- Preventative Assistance: Unlike the HSF, the CRF will focus not only on crisis support but also on helping communities build resilience and avoid future financial difficulties.
- Wider Scope: The fund is intended to provide more long-term, preventative support while still addressing immediate financial challenges.
A government spokesperson emphasized that the CRF will provide grant funding to local authorities, enabling them to assist both individuals in urgent need and support the broader community with measures that prevent future hardship.
Impact of the Scheme Closure and Future Support
While the Household Support Fund has ended, the introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund marks a shift towards more sustainable support for those affected by rising living costs. The new fund will allow local authorities to continue helping residents, though with a focus on crisis management and future resilience.
Households that were relying on the hardship grants can expect a smooth transition to the CRF, although there may be some adjustments in how support is provided going forward.
Important Dates and Information
- End of Hardship Grant Scheme: March 27, 2026
- Transition to CRF: April 1, 2026
- Waiting List for Hardship Grant Applicants: If you’ve already applied, you’ll hear back within 3-4 weeks.
The £200 hardship grant scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially ended, but the introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) offers ongoing support for households facing financial hardship.
Although the grant application process for the HSF has closed, households on the waiting list will still receive assistance. The CRF promises to continue supporting vulnerable residents through both immediate crisis support and long-term resilience-building initiatives.
For those who are still in the process of applying, patience is requested as the team works through the backlog of applications. In the meantime, local authorities will continue to offer support under the new fund.
FAQs:
1. Is the £200 hardship grant still available?
No, the hardship grant scheme ended on March 27, 2026, as part of the closure of the Household Support Fund (HSF).
2. What should I do if I’ve already applied for the hardship grant?
If you’ve already applied and received email confirmation, you are on the waiting list. You will be contacted within 3-4 weeks to complete your application.
3. What replaces the Household Support Fund?
From April 1, 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) replaces the HSF, offering continued support for households facing financial hardship.
4. How is the Crisis and Resilience Fund different from the HSF?
The CRF focuses on both crisis support and providing preventative measures to help communities build resilience against future financial difficulties.
5. When will the Crisis and Resilience Fund start?
The new Crisis and Resilience Fund began on April 1, 2026, continuing financial support for vulnerable households.
