Applicants for hardship grants have reopened for households in November
The cost of living payments are being handed out by the council(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A financial support scheme for households in the West Midlands has reopened.
The Hardship Grant Community Fund is now accepting new applications from households.
Applications for the scheme – run by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Voluntary Service Council – was temporarily paused on October 13.
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However in an update yesterday (November 10), the local authority revealed households can make applications once again.
The scheme hands out £200 cost of living payments to households in Birmingham struggling with the cost of living.
The payments are funded via the Household Support Fund (HSF) from the Department for Work and Pension (DWP).
A spokesperson for the council said: “The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, is a fixed amount of money available to the local authority to be used to support those households in most need, with essentials such as food, energy and essential goods and supplies, including water.”
However applicants must meet three sets of criteria in order to be eligible for the funding.
Applicants must be a permanent Birmingham resident and not have received a previous £200 payment in the past 12 months.
Meanwhile, households must also be able to demonstrate they’re experiencing financial hardship – in particular, covering food and energy costs.
Households are also encouraged to apply online – click here for information.
However applicants can also apply for the payments by calling 0121 634 7100.