Low-income households can apply for support payments. (Image: Martin O'Callaghan)

Households put on alert as £200 cost of living payment applications open in November

by · Birmingham Live

Households are being alerted about special cost of living payments available to help pay bills this winter. The Household Support Fund (HSF) is launching again for winter in November - with low-income households urged to get their applications in quickly before money runs out.

People have to apply to their local council for a chance to get payments worth hundreds of pounds. They need to show they are suffering 'financial hardship' and struggling to afford basic essentials like food, water or energy.

Different amounts are being paid out across the country. Birmingham City Council has confirmed it will be paying out £200 grants to successful applicants.

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Its winter emergency fund is opening again in November and will run through to March, or until money runs out. People will usually need to show they are struggling financially and have not received a similar support payment over the previous 12 months. Those in other areas should check their local council's website.

Applicants don't have to be receiving benefits but it's more likely those who are will be struggling to make ends meet. Birmingham City Council said in an update to residents: "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.

"Receiving a grant from this fund will not impact any other benefits you may be receiving or may be entitled to. Grant payments are made directly into a bank account in the applicant’s name."