The CRF’s ‘Cash First’ approach: how Huggg helps with cash support under the new guidelines

The updated Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) guidance is clear on one point - that cash should be the starting place wherever possible.

Cash-first support via bank transfer or cash voucher - gives people flexibility and choice at moments when those things matter most. It allows households to decide what will make the biggest difference right now, whether that is food, travel, rent shortfalls or keeping the lights on.

At the same time, the guidance is clear that cash-first does not mean cash-only.

Local authorities are expected to take a balanced, person-centred approach to each award. For some that means offering alternatives where cash is not appropriate, practical or safe, and ensuring support is delivered quickly, transparently and with proper oversight.

For the CRF Huggg will allow local authorities across the UK to provide cash-first support by default, with the ability to add other forms of help when they are genuinely needed.

Cash Support, Delivered Instantly

When someone is facing immediate hardship, speed matters - plus the new 48-hour delivery rule in the Crisis and Resilience Fund adds to this time pressure on LAs. Delays can turn a manageable problem into a crisis and increase pressure on other services.

Huggg makes it straightforward to issue cash support without complex processes or additional admin.

Local authorities can provide:

Cash vouchers, redeemable:

• Over the counter
• Via ATMs
• Direct bank transfers

Digital Cheque, which gives people a choice:

• Withdraw cash at a Post Office
• Or send the money directly to their bank account

That choice is important. Some people need physical cash. Others prefer a direct payment. With Digital Cheque, the decision sits with the recipient, without the local authority needing to guess or collect bank details upfront.

All options are issued digitally, tracked in real time, and supported by a clear audit trail. This makes it easier to evidence cash-first delivery in line with CRF expectations.

Why cash-first still needs flexibility

The CRF guidance recognises that some needs are better met through targeted, non-cash support. This is particularly true where:

• Funds need to be protected for a specific purpose
• Items are large or essential
• Accessing cash may be difficult, inappropriate or unsafe

Huggg allows local authorities to move easily between cash and practical support, all within one platform from the same wallet or switching wallets for different purposes.

‘Cash First but not Cash Only’ - beyond cash

The DWP has been clear about the person-centred no wrong door approach allowing for support beyond cash where cash is not the best solution, or for sanctioned individuals.
Alongside cash support, Huggg helps local authorities respond to the practical needs that often sit behind crisis applications.

White goods

When a fridge or washing machine breaks, cash alone does not always solve the problem. Prices vary, delivery can be a barrier, and availability matters.

With Huggg, local authorities can send white goods directly to a household, including:

• Fridges and freezers
• Washing machines
• Cookers and ovens
• Small appliances such as microwaves or kettles

Recipients arrange delivery (where appropriate) and any issues are dealt with between your customer and the supplier, reducing admin burden on the support team.

Furniture

For people moving into new accommodation, basic furniture is essential.

Beds, sofas and storage are not extras. They are part of creating stability and safety. Huggg enables local authorities to provide essential furniture items, delivered and installed where needed, helping people settle with dignity.

Home packs and essentials

In some cases, the need is not one large item but many small ones.

Huggg’s home essentials packs include:

• Bedding and towels
• Kitchen basics
• Bathroom and cleaning items

These packs are particularly helpful for people leaving temporary accommodation, fleeing unsafe situations or starting again after disruption.

Energy support that works across different households

Energy costs remain one of the most common reasons people apply for crisis support.

Huggg supports energy assistance across different household setups, including:

• Prepayment meter top-ups via Post Office or PayPoint
• Bill payments for people who pay by direct debit
• Support for households using off-grid energy

Options like OneLink Energy guide recipients to the right solution for their situation, reducing confusion and helping funds reach their intended purpose.

Retail vouchers for everyday needs

There are times when retail vouchers offer the right balance between flexibility and safeguarding.

They can be used for:

• Food and groceries
• Clothing and school uniform
• Household essentials

By offering a choice of familiar retailers, Huggg keeps dignity and choice central, without creating unnecessary restrictions.

One platform, clear oversight

The CRF guidance places greater emphasis on transparency and monitoring.

Huggg brings cash support, practical assistance and reporting into one place, making it easier to:

• Track when and how support is issued
• See whether it has been accessed
• Follow up where needed
• Evidence delivery across cash and non-cash support

This reduces administrative pressure while strengthening accountability and reporting.

Cash-first, but not cash only

Cash-first is not about applying a single solution in every situation - it needs to be backed up with practical options when cash alone is not right for your residents.

Huggg helps local authorities do exactly that. Rapid cash support when it is needed, combined with practical help that supports recovery and resilience.

Talk to us  about your cash-first approach and we’ll help make fund delivery simple and efficient.