Support with the cost of living in Richmond borough

Money worries can affect any of us. With the cost of everyday essentials continuing to rise, many households are feeling the pressure right now, and we understand how worrying that can be. If money is a worry for you at the moment, please know you're not on your own. There's local help you can turn to.

If you live in Richmond borough, you may be able to get help from the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Run by Richmond Council, it's there to help local people through difficult times. If you're an RHP customer living outside the borough, your own council will run its own scheme. It's worth checking what support is available where you live.

Here's what the fund offers and how to apply.

The Household Support Fund has a new name

From 1 April 2026, the Household Support Fund became the Crisis and Resilience Fund. The name has changed, but the support is still there. The fund now runs until 31 March 2029, so the council can plan support over the longer term.

What the fund can help with

The Crisis and Resilience Fund brings together four types of support:

• crisis support, which is short term help in an emergency
• housing support, if there's a shortfall between your rent and what your benefits cover
• resilience support, to help you build a bit more stability over time
• community coordination, which joins up local services so support is easier to find.

Who can apply

You may be eligible if:

• you live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
• you're on a low income and facing financial pressure or an unexpected cost
• you need short term help to stay safe and well.

How to apply

Citizens Advice Richmond looks after the crisis payments on behalf of the council. You can call them free on 080 82 78 78 73, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. You can also apply online at www.citizensadvicerichmond.org

If you have a long term health condition or a disability, or you care for someone, RAID can help you instead. Email [email protected] or call 020 3393 7011.

Help during the school holidays

Free school meal vouchers for the holidays ended after Easter 2026. In their place, Achieving for Children now runs the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. It offers healthy meals and activities for children who are entitled to means-tested free school meals.

If you think you're eligible for free school meals but aren't claiming, you can check and apply on the council's website.

We're here to help too

If you're worried about paying your rent, please talk to us. We'd always rather hear from you sooner than later, so we can help while there are more options open. We'll talk through everything with you and point you towards the right advice and support.

Find out more

For full details on the Crisis and Resilience Fund, visit www.richmond.gov.uk/household_support_fund

If money is worrying you, please don't put off asking for help. Reaching out sooner rather than later can really make a difference, and whatever your situation, we're here for you.