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