Low income households could get extra helpLow income households could get extra helpLow income households could get extra help(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

UK households with low incomes will soon be able to apply for extra support.

Applications for the latest round of cost of living payments will open in June.

Local councils can help with certain costs as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund.

This can be for energy and water bills, food or other essential items.

In Birmingham, the next applications for the £200 cost of living payments are expected to open very soon.

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The scheme is is run in partnership between Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC).

BVSC 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 to councils, who distribute the support to those in need, as part of the scheme.

To be eligible in Birmingham, you must be a resident in the city, be able to demonstrate that your household is experiencing financial hardship – in particular covering food and energy costs – and your household must 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.”