The local authority has announced that applications will reopen for hardship grants in a matter of weeks but there are rules to apply
Cost of living payments are set to arrive in ‘late June'(Image: Surrey Advertiser)
Households have been advised about the arrival of new £200 cost of living payments once applications open.
Local authorities in England have made available these payments to support households struggling with daily living costs and basic necessities.
These payments are funded by the Household Support Fund (HSF) and delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
READ MORE: Nationwide issues update on £200 payments and who can expect to be paid
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Among the councils offering these payments include Birmingham City Council.
The local authority has called these payments ‘hardship grants’ and they’re designed to help households struggling to pay for things like food, water and energy.
Like the previous round of funding, these payments will be made available to residents in Birmingham who can demonstrate they are experiencing financial hardship.
Applicants won’t be able to receive a hardship grant payment if they’ve previously been given one in the past 12 months.
A spokesperson for Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVCS) has advised that applications for these payments will open in ‘late June’.
The city council has set aside three sets of criteria for eligibility.
These are that applicants must be: a Birmingham resident, demonstrate you’re experiencing financial hardship, and not have received a previous payment as specified in the past year.
A spokesperson for the scheme said: “Please be advised that each household is only eligible to receive one £200 grant payment in a 12-month period. e.g. If you received a £200 payment on February 28, you cannot make another application until March 1.
“Any enquiry submitted before your eligibility date will be rejected.
“The application system actively monitors submitted applications looking for signs of fraud and details of any attempts to make fraudulent applications and/or fraudulently receive grant funding may be shared with West Midlands Police.
“Receiving a grant from this fund will not impact on 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.”