Here to help

The government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) is coming to an end, and from Wednesday 1 April 2026 it will be replaced by a new national scheme called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

The fund will run from Wednesday 1 April 2026 to Saturday 31 March 2029. The CRF is designed to support low income households who experience a financial shock, while also helping to strengthen longer term financial resilience.

Local authorities have discretion over how the fund is used, in line with the latest government guidance.

You can read the national guidance on GOV.UK website: GOV.UK – Crisis and Resilience Fund: Guidance for local authorities in England.

We are currently reviewing the national guidance and developing RBWM’s local scheme. Support will still be available, but it will be more targeted and based on individual need, rather than repeating one off payments.

Full details — including eligibility, how to apply for Crisis payments or Housing payments, and information on wider support from local services and partners — will be published here as soon as they are available.

There is no need to contact us about the CRF at this stage. Our full CRF delivery plan will be in place by Wednesday 1 July 2026. We will update this page as soon as further information is confirmed.

In the meantime, residents can continue to access help through our Here to Help hub which sets out the support currently available for those experiencing financial insecurity.

Links to different types of information and support are set out below.

• Household support fund.
• Energy and water costs.
• Childcare and school meals.
• Debt support.
• Keeping well over winter.
• Food and daily essentials.
• Mental wellbeing.
• Support with housing costs.
• Council tax.
• Council benefits and additional support.

Citizens Advice also provides information and advice if you're struggling with living costs, and the Government has produced this living costs information.

Our borough has a thriving Voluntary and Community Sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting local communities. A wide range of voluntary organisations and community groups provide advice, assistance, and practical support to residents. 

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is working with local charities, groups, and partners to help those who need additional advice, assistance, and support. This is not an alternative to social services; this network exists to provide additional support.

If you are struggling, please try and take the time to look at the information. However, you can always go to your nearest library where someone would be happy to help you.

Our libraries are safe spaces for the community. During opening hours, people are welcome to use library facilities, use the public-access computers and speak with a librarian for advice around cost of living support and/or getting online.

Another good point of call is our VCS partner Citizens Advice, who can be contacted via freephone on 0808 278 7914. They exist to help solve life’s problems by providing free, impartial, confidential and independent advice and information to everyone.

Please visit Citizens Advice East Berkshire’s website to find out more.

Citizens Advice is one of many of our great partner organisations. For more information on the wealth of voluntary organisations and community organisations in the borough, please see our Community Information Hub.

We are proud that in the Royal Borough, our communities pull together to support each other through difficult times. Most of this support takes place informally, through neighbours helping each other out and offering friendship.

If you would like to volunteer, and offer help to the wider community, please email volunteer@RBWM.gov.uk. Also please see our advice on How to be a good neighbour in times of need.