£200 summer cost of living payments entering bank accounts - key dates

Summer cost of living payments will be entering bank accounts over the next few weeks. Councils across the country will be making cash payments to those struggling to pay for things like food and energy bills.

Birmingham City Council has announced it will be paying £200 grants through the latest phase of the Household Support Fund (HSF). These funds are made up of money given to local authorities by the Government.

The council has opened the scheme for applications, meaning people experiencing "financial hardship" can now apply for the £200 payment. Households are being encouraged to act as quickly as possible as while the HSF will officially run to September, the money available to help residents could run out before then.

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Birmingham City Council explained: "Birmingham Voluntary Service Council’s (BVSC) Hardship Grant Community Fund (HGCF) is part of the council's wider Household Support Fund (HSF) activity. BVSC will be distributing grants of up to £200 to Birmingham households currently facing financial hardship. The funds are intended to help households with food costs and energy payments.

"We will be accepting applications from May 2024, and will continue to accept applications until 30 September 2024 or until all funding has been exhausted, if sooner."

The council added: "Be aware that if you are invited to apply, you may be expected to provide proof of address and proof of means-tested benefits, if you are in receipt of them." Applications can be made at birmingham.gov.uk

People in other areas should search for their local council and "Household Support Fund" to see what support is available where they live.