A NEW £200 Cost of Living payment is being rolled out in a major city in England. Households in Birmingham are being offered up to £200 in new cost of living payments from their local council as part of the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ).
To be eligible people must be a Birmingham resident, experience financial hardship, particularly with covering costs linked to food and energy and not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months, the local authority has said.
o apply, you will need to complete the Hardship Grant Community Fund expression of interest form. The questions are aimed at determining your suitability for a grant payment. All applicants will be contacted via email on the outcome of their enquiry and next steps.
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If you’re invited to apply, you’ll likely need to provide proof of your address and proof that you’re receiving means-tested benefits, if applicable. The council added: “We strongly encourage you to use the form to submit enquiries, as they are processed more quickly. If you are unable to access the form online, phone 0121 634 7100 to express your interest.
“You can find more information and resources on cost of living help on our cost of living support page.” The HSF should primarily be used to provide support with food whether in kind or through vouchers or cash. The HSF should also mainly be used to support with energy bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders.
It can also be used to support with water bills including for drinking, washing, cooking, and sanitary purposes and sewerage, the local authority has also gone on to explain on its website.