Households are receiving special cost of living payments. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Households spot £200 cost of living payments in bank accounts

by · Birmingham Live

Special cost of living payments have started to land in bank accounts of people up and down the country. The payments, worth hundreds of pounds, are being made by local councils to help some of the worst-off households cope with their bills over winter.

People may be able to get help if they are struggling to pay for essentials like food, gas and electricity. Applications can be made to local councils via their websites.

Money is being paid out from the Household Support Fund (HSF), an emergency pot of Government cash intended to help the most vulnerable. Local authorities are paying out different amounts and Birmingham City Council has confirmed it is offering £200 grants to those eligible.

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It comes after the HSF was extended through winter by the new Labour Government. The winter funds are now being launched in many areas with payments starting to be made.

People have been warned to act quickly if they want to receive a cost of living payment. Some councils have warned they can only make payments until the money runs out.

Birmingham City Council said: "The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is a fixed amount of money available to the local authority to support households in most need with essentials such as:

  • food
  • energy
  • essential goods and supplies, including water

"Hardship grant requests will open again from November 2024 until March 31, 2025. Households facing financial hardship can apply for grants through the Hardship Grant Community Fund. These grants are given out by us, with help from the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and local partner organisations.

"Hardship payments are intended to help households with everyday household essentials such as energy and food, with grant payments of up to £200 per household. Receiving a grant from this fund will not impact any other benefits you may be receiving or may be entitled to."