Certain households in the UK will be able to apply for a payment worth £200 in three weeks' time.
The cost of living support comes from the government-funded household support fund scheme. The scheme - first introduced in 2021 by the former - was extended for another six months from October 1, with providing an additional £421million in funding.
The money is given to councils, which they then use to provide cost of living support in their area. The help can range from free cash payments to supermarket and energy vouchers. Birmingham Council has confirmed it will be giving cash payments of £200 to households struggling in the latest round.
In an update issued recently, Birmingham Council said it would reopen applications for the scheme in around three weeks, at the beginning of November. Since its launch, Birmingham's Household Support Fund scheme has been run by the Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC). Each round, it has offered £200 hardship grants to households claiming certain Department for Work and Pensions () benefits.
In a recent update for the scheme, the BCSC said this round would also consider those who previously submitted a claim but didn't receive help. The update said: "If you are not currently on the waiting list, or it has now been 12 months since you received your last grant payment, you will be able to submit a new enquiry once the next round opens in early November 2024."
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To be eligible for the payments, you will need to be living in Birmingham and experiencing financial "hardship" with food or energy costs in particular. You also can't have received a hardship grant within the last 12 months - so if you were paid one in April this year, then you will not be able to get another one this round.
According to Birmingham Council's website, to apply you will need to complete the Hardship Grant Community Fund expression of interest form. The council says the questions are "aimed at determining your suitability for a grant payment". If accepted, the council will email you to let you know the next steps. If you are invited to apply, then you will need to provide proof of address alongside proof of means-tested benefits you receive. If accepted, the money will be paid straight into your bank account.
If you are not a Birmingham resident, then you will not be able to apply for this scheme. However, your local council will soon begin opening their own Household Support Schemes over the coming weeks. You should keep you eye out for any updates on your local authority's website.
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