Certain households can get extra support
Certain households can get extra support
Extra cost of living payments will be on offer to UK households within days.
As part of the Household Support Fund, people on low incomes can qualify for extra support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This can be for living costs such as energy and water bills, as well as food.
Cash can also be used for other essential items such as sanitary products, clothing, soap and blankets.
In the Midlands, applications for the latest round of £200 cost-of-living payments will open in June.
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Across the UK, local councils decided who can get support and how the funding is allocated on behalf of the Government.
Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) run the scheme for people living in Birmingham.
BVSC previously said: “Please be advised that enquiries will reopen in June 2025.
“If you are not currently on the waiting list, and it has now been 12 months since your household last received a grant payment, you will be able to submit a new enquiry once the scheme reopens in June 2025.”
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Funding is issued by the government to councils, who then distribute the support to those in need.
In Birmingham, you can only apply if you are a resident in the city and can demonstrate that your household is experiencing financial hardship – in particular covering food and energy costs.
You must also not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months.
Gov.uk says: “Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials.
“You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.
“If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.”