New cost of living payments worth hundreds of pounds have been confirmed by the Government. The cash will be landing in bank accounts of low-income households across the country.
It’s part of the Household Support Fund (HSF) adults can make applications to. People need to apply to their local council for emergency support.
Cash grants of £200 are available in some areas, including Birmingham. Anyone can apply for the money but people will usually have to show they are struggling to afford basic essentials like food, energy and water.
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The HSF has been extended by the Government and will now run throughout 2025. This will ensure the most hard-up residents will continue to have the chance to apply for support.
Households are unlikely to be able secure more than one payment every 12 months, to ensure as many people get help as possible. Full details of the scheme where you live can be found on your local council’s website.
Birmingham City Council says of its scheme: “The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is a fixed amount of money available to the local authority to support households in most need with essentials such as: food; energy; essential goods and supplies, including water.
“Various forms of assistance are being offered to address a wide range of household circumstances. Hardship payments are intended to help households with everyday household essentials such as energy and food, with grant payments of up to £200 per household.
“Receiving a grant from this fund will not impact any other benefits you may be receiving or may be entitled to.”