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GrantEnglandLondon Borough of Southwark

Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (Crisis and Resilience Fund)

Southwark Council

Description

Southwark's current live discretionary hardship scheme, funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund — the council's replacement for the Household Support Fund, which ended nationally on 31 March 2026 — for residents facing a crisis, emergency, or disaster who cannot afford essentials, still operating under its pre-Crisis-and-Resilience-Fund branding — the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS) — while the council finalises a fuller CRF offer (referenced in committee papers as the 'Better Living Fund') expected in autumn 2026. Support is normally provided as goods or services (e.g. a food gift card or help with energy bills) rather than cash.

Amount

Usually goods/services (e.g. food gift card, energy bill help) rather than cash; not published as a fixed figure

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: England.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.
Notes
Re-verified 2026-08-19: the page (now titled 'Crisis and Resilience Fund' on the council's site, though the transitional SESS branding and mix of continuing schemes described below is unchanged) still confirms this as a transitional arrangement — existing support (SESS, Southwark Energy Support, Holiday Free School Meals, and Discretionary Housing Payments) continues 'until autumn 2026' while the full three-year CRF model (referenced elsewhere as the 'Better Living Fund') is rolled out. No 'Better Living Fund' branding appears yet on the public-facing page. Re-verify again once autumn 2026 arrives, since the transition is expected to complete around then.
Requirement
Aged 16+, living in Southwark for at least 3 months, and receiving (or having claimed within the last 6 weeks and awaiting a decision on) Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, or Guarantee Pension Credit.

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How to apply

Apply by phone on 020 7525 2434; applications are assessed during office hours as soon as possible after submission.

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Last verified: 28 September 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.