Issue details

As a strand of the new Crisis Resilience Fund, implemented by the government from 1 April 2026, the new Housing Payments Scheme introduces a new framework for supporting residents who require additional financial assistance to meet their housing costs.

The scheme is replacing the existing Discretionary Housing Payments scheme and is intended to help sustain tenancies, prevent homelessness, and mitigate the impacts of welfare reforms or unexpected circumstances on vulnerable groups.

To claim a Housing Payment applicants must fill in an application and provide any supporting evidence that is requested, with all applications considered on its own merits. Awards of Housing Payments are funded by the government, subject to an overall annual limit.