£200 cost of living payments to enter bank accounts in December
More cost of living payments will be entering bank accounts during December. Cash is available for certain households which meet criteria for extra support.
Payments can be claimed from local councils. The support is aimed at people on low incomes who are struggling to afford basic essentials like food and water.
Applicants will have to show they are struggling to get by in order to get the payments. Money is being paid out throughout the winter but households are advised to get applications in sooner rather than later as some emergency funds could be closed if the money runs out.
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Local authorities have been given money from the Government as part of the Household Support Fund, designed to target those most in need of support and struggling to keep their heads above water. Hundreds of pounds are being paid out to individual applications.
People should check their local council's household support fund pages online for full details. Amounts differ across the country but Birmingham City Council has confirmed it is making £200 payments.
The city council said: "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."