PAY DAY
Exact date thousands can apply for £200 extra payment to help with winter energy bills – check if you’re eligible
Scroll down to find out how you can apply today
THOUSANDS of Brits could pocket an extra £200 to help with soaring winter energy payments - check if you're eligible.
The Household Support Fund offers families a helping hand when they may need it most, whether it's with the food shop, school uniform or paying essential bills.
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In September, the Department for Work and Pensions announced the HSF in Birmingham will be extended from October 2024 to March 2025.
The government has released £421million which will be distributed between councils and then dished out to vulnerable residents over the colder season.
The pot of cash will be available from October this year until March next year.
This comes as the current scheme closes today, September 30, after the latest round of £421million was used to help struggling households across the country.
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The portion of funding each council gets is based on the size of the population, catchment area, and need.
Thousands may be eligible to claim the cash boost from the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC).
The £200 grant can be put towards household essentials including energy and food bills.
It won't have an effect on any other benefits you may be receiving or be entitled to.
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The payment is usually transferred directly into a bank account in the applicant’s name.
According to Birmingham City Council, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- be a Birmingham resident
- be experiencing financial hardship, particularly with covering costs linked to food and energy
- not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months
Each household is only eligible to receive one £200 grant payment in 12 months.
How to apply
To apply, those eligible need to complete the Hardship Grant Community Fund expression of interest form.
This can be accessed on the Birmingham City Council website under Cost of Living Support, Household Support Fund 2024 to 2025.
All applicants will be contacted via email with details of the next steps should they be accepted.
If you're invited to apply, you will likely need to provide proof of your address and proof that you're receiving means-tested benefits, if applicable.
Further support
Information can be accessed through these websites
What is the Household Support Fund?
Households in need can claim support to help with the cost of living via the Household Support Fund.
The funding is supplied from a £421million pot by the Department for Work and Pensions.
It was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times.
Councils up and down the country get a portion of the cash to allocate to vulnerable households.
For example, Medway Council in Kent, South-East England, is offering thousands of households supermarket vouchers worth up to £225.
Some could qualify for electronic energy cards or e-vouchers to cover water bills worth £100 too.
Get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.
The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.
But you may be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or to cover costs of your weekly grocery shop.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.
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And, you do not need to be getting benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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