Crisis and Resilience Fund- Housing payments

Wigan Council will receive funding from the UK government to administer the Crisis and Resilience Fund.Funded By government logo

This funding is to support low-income households who encounter a financial shock and to support activity that builds individual and community financial resilience.

This funding covers the period of 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029 inclusive.

The Housing Payment scheme can give you limited short term help paying your rent.

It is a short term emergency payment until you can find alternative housing – normally no longer than three months. It should not be considered as a permanent solution to a shortfall in your Housing Benefit (HB) or Universal Credit (UC) award.

Before we can give you a Housing Payment

  • You can only apply if you already receive Housing Benefit (HB) or Universal Credit (UC)
  • You must require additional help with your housing costs i.e. have a shortfall between your rent and benefit entitlement
  • You must have already spoken with your housing provider about your rent payments
  • The council must have sufficient funds available to cover the cost of your DHP.

You cannot use it for:

  • Ineligible service charges for HB
  • Increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
  • Sanctions and reductions in benefit
  • Council Tax support through the local Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

We take into account:

  • The shortfall between HB and the housing component of UC and the contractual rent
  • The income and expenditure of you and your household
  • Any savings or capital held by you or your household
  • Any steps taken to reduce your rental liability. For example, have you tried or are you actively seeking alternative cheaper accommodation
  • Any future changes in circumstances that will lead to an increase in HB entitlement or UC entitlement
  • Did you find out what your Local Housing Allowance would be before moving into the property?
  • Were you aware of any restrictions on HB as a result of under occupation?
  • Have you applied for all available sources of income available to you?
  • The level of debt and committed expenditure of you and your family.

How to apply

To apply for a Housing Payment you will need to complete our online form:

Please note that you will need to provide evidence of your current expenditure.