Two new benefit payments administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are set to launch on April 1, 2026, offering vital support to thousands of eligible households across England. The initiative forms part of the newly established Crisis and Resilience Fund, a £1 billion multi-year pot of money made available to local authorities.
What Are The New DWP Payments?
The fund is designed to assist low-income families who face sudden financial shocks and to build long-term financial resilience within communities. It will operate from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, providing councils with the certainty needed to plan emergency support.
The scheme introduces two distinct forms of payment:
- Crisis Payment: Targeted at individuals facing an immediate crisis. A key feature is that applicants do not need to be receiving existing benefits to qualify, broadening the safety net.
- Housing Payment: Provides financial assistance to help cover housing costs for those facing a shortfall. Eligibility for this payment will be restricted to people already in receipt of certain qualifying benefits.
How The "Cash-First" Support System Works
The DWP guidance promotes a "cash-first" approach to delivering aid. Typically, a local council will use a dedicated platform to generate unique, single-use barcodes or PINs for approved applicants.
These digital vouchers can then be sent to recipients via email, text message, or post, or even printed out for in-person collection. The individual can then redeem the barcode for cash, offering dignity and choice in how they address their most pressing needs.
Beyond direct payments, the fund also promises investment in services delivered by councils or external providers. This aims to improve overall financial resilience and strengthen the local support network available to vulnerable residents.
Reaction and Government Stance
The publication of the official guidance has been welcomed by leading charities. Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo's, stated: "For too many families, a sudden crisis can push them to the brink, leaving children at risk of going without food, warmth or other essentials."
She added that the guidance has "the potential to make a meaningful difference to children growing up in poverty" by ensuring support protects dignity and reaches those most in need.
A Government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to tackling poverty, saying: "The £1bn multi-year Crisis and Resilience fund will help prevent households from falling into crisis by giving local authorities the certainty they need to provide emergency financial support."
With the launch date confirmed, local authorities across England are now preparing their systems to administer the new Crisis and Resilience Fund payments from the start of the new financial year.
