£200 cost of living payments to enter bank accounts as households told 'you can apply'

Support available for struggling households this winter

Certain UK households have been told they can apply for special cost of living payments to help get them through winter. Money will start entering bank accounts over the next few weeks.

People can get help if they are suffering 'financial hardship'. This means they are struggling to afford basic essentials like food, water and energy. Many of these people may be on benefits but it does not have to be the case.

Applications need to be made through local councils. They then decide whether someone meets the criteria for cash payments or other forms of support such as vouchers.

READ MORE: Automatic £300 payments coming for state pensioners in November

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Each local authority runs their own schemes under the Household Support Fund (HSF). They decide who gets money and how much payments are worth.

Birmingham City Council has announced it will be once again handing out £200 payments to those who qualify. People must not have received any of these payments in the last 12 months, in a bid to spread support as far as possible.

Those who live in other areas should monitor their local council's Household Support Fund and cost of living pages online for full details. Birmingham City Council said in an update to residents: "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."