UK households sent £200 summer cost of living payments message and told 'be aware'

Richard Guttridge

27 June 2024 at 2:50 am·1-min read

A high street shop is set to close — -Credit: (Image: Rob Browne)

Special cost of living payments to help the worst-off households cover food and energy bills over the summer are starting to enter bank accounts. And people have been told details they must be aware of if they want to apply for cash.

Local councils are running individual schemes through the Household Support Fund so people should check the situation where they live. Birmingham City Council has now launched its summer HSF scheme.

It is handing out £200 payments to those most in need and announced who could be eligible. Successful applicants will likely have to show they are suffering "financial hardship".

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Council bosses added they "may be expected to provide proof of address and proof of means-tested benefits, if you are in receipt of them". It's possible some people who don't get benefits but are still struggling could get payments.

Birmingham residents can apply now up to September, though the council has warned the money could run out before then. Birmingham City Council said: "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.

You must be a Birmingham resident
You must be experiencing financial hardship, particularly with covering costs linked to food and energy
Your household must not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months.

"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."

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