Exact date thousands can apply for £200 extra payment to help with winter energy bills – check if you’re eligible
Date: 2024-10-21
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.
Thousands of Brits could pocket an extra £200 to help with winter energy bill payments – check if you’re eligible[/caption]
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.
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.
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
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.