Households can apply for £200 cost of living cash in DAYS

Scottish Sun

28-05-2025

Read below for more councils providing financial support
HELPING HAND Households can apply for £200 cost of living cash in DAYS
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HOUSEHOLDS will soon be allowed to apply for cost of living cash worth £200.
Struggling households can get access to free cash through the Household Support Fund.
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The HSF helps struggling households in need.
The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
Households in Birmingham will soon be able to apply for support worth £200, with applications opening in June.
Those who have not received a payment from the council in the past 12 months will qualify for this round.
The money is intended to help with energy, grocery and water costs.
You can apply for support by visiting www.bvsc.org/hsf.
If you think you may qualify for the support but are not sure, it may be worth reaching out to the council to find out more.
You can find out more by visting, www.birmingham.gov.uk/contactus.
Other councils to have announced details of their schemes include Salford where residents can apply for free food vouchers and fuel top up credits.
Cash for Care
North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need.
And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500.
Meanwhile, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200.
Hartlepool council is also distributing £100 food vouchers to all children eligible for free school meals aged between two and 19.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don't live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help.
This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable.
What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers.
It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet.
However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels.