£170 cash payments, food vouchers and energy bill help: Check what support your council offers

The cost of living is a huge stress for thousands of households and making ends meet can feel tough.

However, many people don't realise support you can get help through your local council if you are struggling.

Across England, councils hand out cash payments, supermarket food vouchers, help with energy and water bills, and grants for essential household items through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund in 2026.

The exact support available varies depends on where you live, but in some areas councils are offering payments worth £200 or more to those who qualify which could be a financial lifeline for many.

Here's what cost of living help could be available and how to check if you can claim.

What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is a government-funded pot of cash that councils can access to support local people facing financial hardship.

It comes after the Household Support Fund in England ended and is due to run until 31 March 2029.

Unlike national benefits, each council decides how it will distribute the funding, meaning eligibility and the type of support are different across the country.

How do you get council cash payments?

Some councils are offering one-off cash payments, worth up to £170, through the Crisis and Resilience Fund or Local Welfare Assistance scheme.

For example, Buckinghamshire Council offers 'helping hand' crisis payments to residents who have experienced a sudden financial shock, such as an unexpected expense. The exact amount depends on your circumstance and you can apply online.

Portsmouth council also offers cash payments of up to £170, the exact amount will depend on household size. For example, a one-person household gets £60. You can apply online.

Walsall Council offers fast cash to help stabilise crisis situations quickly and you can apply online.

Solihull Council also offers cash payments to help with financial shocks and you can apply online, as well as Reading Council.

How can i get council help with energy bills?

Some councils are using the Crisis and Resilience Fund to help households with energy bills.

For example, in Cornwall the council is offering eligible households up to £300 to help with rising heating oil costs.

And in Cambridgeshire low income households can get up to £400 to help with heating oil costs.

How to get supermarket food vouchers from councils

Rising food bills mean that feeding your family can feel tough.

You may find that your council offers food vouchers to help families in these situations.

For example, Rochdale Council is offering crisis payment food vouchers of up to £75 to help with food or energy costs. You'll need to ring a helpline to apply, there are further details about who qualifies online.

What other cost of living help can i get from councils?

Each council is different so you will need to contact your local authority to find out exactly what is on offer and if you qualify.

Many are prioritising cash payments to help with a crisis, but you could find there is more targeted support too.

For example, Coventry Council is taking applications for clothing and bedding support including school uniform. You can find more details online.