UK households put on alert as £200 cost of living payments to enter bank accounts

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-Credit: (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)


Low-income households have been told they could claim special payments to help with the cost of living this winter. People who are struggling to pay their bills are being urged to check what is on offer from their local councils from October.

That is when the winter phase of the Household Support Fund (HSF) is expected to be launched, following confirmation from the Government that it would be extended. The scheme sees money given to local authorities, to be then to handed to those most in need of support.

These are people who will be suffering 'financial hardship' and struggling to afford basic essentials like food, gas and electricity. Successful applicants will often be on some form of benefits though it does not always have to be the case.

READ MORE: Automatic £150 payment coming from October for people born before this date

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Local councils should update their Household Support Fund pages on their websites over the coming weeks and residents are advised to keep on eye on them for details on how and when to apply. Applicants will usually have to show they are suffering financial hardship.

Payment amounts differ across the country. Birmingham City Council has been making payments of £200 this summer.

Labour confirmed it would be continuing with the HSF over winter, amid fears it could be scrapped along with Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners. The Government says: "You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like:

  • energy and water bills

  • food

  • essential items

"Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays. Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council."