People can apply for cash payments if they are struggling to make ends meet
15:22, 14 Jun 2025Updated 15:26, 14 Jun 2025
People can apply for support from local councils.(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Certain households are noticing special cost of living payments landing in their bank accounts.
These are people who have applied for cash grants from their local councils, which are available to help low-income residents with essential costs.
Those struggling to make ends meet are encouraged to check if they qualify for support from the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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Full details can be found on your local council’s Household Support Fund pages online. Individual council funds can open and close at different times of the year.
Birmingham City Council is now preparing to launch its summer phase of funding, and is offering £200 grants to those that meet the criteria.
Anyone can apply for support but those judged to be most in need of urgent help will be prioritised.
This will include people struggling to afford basic essentials like food and energy.
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Households don’t have to be claiming benefits to apply. People may be turned down if they have received HSF cash over the previous 12 months.
The Birmingham Voluntary Council Service (BVCS), which helps the city council distribute the cash, issued an update saying: “Please be advised that enquiries will reopen in late 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 late June 2025.”
The Government says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council.
“This is sometimes known as the Household Support Fund.
“This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like: energy and water bills; food; essential items
“Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
“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.”