What to do if you are struggling to pay bills or have missed a payment
If you've lost your job, or your income has dropped, for example due to ill-health or changes to your benefits, you may be worried about money.
A good place to start to get guidance about your situation is to create your own budget. This will help you figure out your long-term goals and start to work towards them:
Crisis & Resilience Fund (formerly Household Support Fund)
The Household Support Fund has transitioned to the Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF). Administered by the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Community Hub, this fund helps resident manage immediate emergencies and build long-term financial stability.
Crisis support:
A crisis is defined as urgent costs arising from a sudden, unexpected event. This support is for short-term or occasional needs. Staff assess every case individually to determine the most appropriate way to help. Examples of crisis situations include:
- Sudden Illness or Accident: Costs arising from an event that prevents you from working.
- Essential Breakdowns: Something vital in your home breaking (eg a cooker) with no other safe option available.
- Housing Risk: Being at immediate risk of losing your home.
- Emergency Bills: Receiving an unexpected, urgent bill that must be paid immediately.
- Note: The Community Hub does not provide supermarket vouchers or food support in all cases. An assessment will determine if this is the best way to support your specific needs.
Resilience support
You do not need to be in an immediate crisis to ask for help. We offer a 'No Wrong Door' approach to connect you with services that help prevent future emergencies. This includes advice on:
- Benefits: What you can claim and how to get it.
- Money Management: Budgeting and debt advice.
- Utilities: Assistance with energy and other essential bills.
- Employment: Support with skills, training, and finding work.
Support with heating oil
From 1st April 2026, a new application process is available for low-income households. Eligibility criteria:
- Heating oil must be your primary heating source.
- You must rely on oil for heating and/or hot water.
Assessments are based on low-income verification, vulnerability status, and fuel supply risk.
How to contact the Community Hub
If you are a resident in need or a partner making a referral, please use the following methods. The online form is the quickest way to receive a response:
See also:
The Crisis & Resilience Fund payments are funded by the UK Government.
Money Helper
Information about and help with pensions, benefits and debt - 'Money Helper' explains what you need to do and how to do it:
Mental Health & Money Advice:
This organisation provides practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money:
Citizen Advice help with your bills
Citizens Advice gives advice about getting help with bills:
You can also make an appointment to see an advisor at:
Get free debt advice
Get free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems:
Page last updated: 09 April 2026