HOUSEHOLDS on benefits will now be able to apply for £200 payments for free, until funding is exhausted.
It comes as part of the Household Support Fund that is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Thousands of households struggling with cost of living could benefit[/caption]
The scheme launched yesterday, and will be open for application until March next year.
It comes through a fixed amount of money that is available to the Local Authority to help support the households most in need.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of £742 million from the fund.
This is Round 7 of The Household Support Fund scheme in Birmingham, which has been extended multiple times.
Eligible households in Birmingham that are facing hardship will be able to access the grants for essential costs like groceries, energy bills, water, and basic supplies.
This Hardship Grant Community Fund is completely free to apply to, with no fees, text requests or bank details involved.
Receiving a grant from the fund will also not impact any other benefits households may be additionally receiving or be entitled to.
Those who have already submitted a successful enquiry into the scheme may have been added to the Waiting List, who can expect a call from the local area within the next 3-4 weeks.
The grants will be distributed by the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), and can include up to £200 in funds aimed at helping households with food and energy costs.
Applications for the payment can be made by completing the enquiry form online, and answering questions to determine suitability to a grant.
Completing the enquiry form does not guarantee a grant, and eligibility will be checked.
To be eligible for the grant:
- You must be a Birmingham Resident
- You must be experiencing financial hardship, particularly with regards to covering costs linked to food and energy
- Your household must not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months
Those applying may be required to provide proof of address and means-tested benefits.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
What if you don’t live in Birmingham?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been allocated to councils across England to help residents facing financial hardship.
You do not need to live in Reading to apply.
If you’re on a low income, receiving benefits, or struggling to afford essentials, you may be eligible for support.
The type of help available varies by area and may include cash payments, food vouchers, or help with energy bills.
Applications are handled by local councils. Some have already opened their schemes, while others are expected to launch soon.
Residents are advised to check their local council’s website or social media for updates.
Many councils have dedicated Household Support Fund pages with details on how to apply.
In some cases, councils may contact eligible households directly by post.
