£200 cost of living payments to enter bank accounts in November

Special cost of living payments worth hundreds of pounds will start being paid into bank accounts during November. The cash will help struggling households pay for essentials like food, water and energy.

People are being invited to come forward and apply for the payments if they are struggling to get by. They need to apply to their local council, which will be making the payments.

Different amounts will be available in parts of the country. Birmingham City Council has confirmed it will be issuing £200 grants once again.

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In order to be successful, households will usually have to show they are suffering 'hardship' and struggling to pay essential bills. Some councils will only accept applications if they haven't had the cost of living support in the previous 12 months.

The money is being given to local authorities by the Government as part of the Household Support Fund (HSF). People should check their local council's HSF and cost of living pages online for full details of how to apply.

Many of those who get payments will be on some form of benefits, but people who don't claim benefits have been told they can apply if they are struggling. Birmingham City Council said: "Hardship grant requests will open again from November 2024 until March 31, 2025.

"Households facing financial hardship can apply for grants through the Hardship Grant Community Fund. These grants are given out by us, with help from the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and local partner organisations.

"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."