Birmingham households are set to receive a free cost of living payment worth £200 to help them during the winter months.
UK Households to Receive Winter Cost of Living Payment Worth £200
By Lydia Amazouz
Published on 23 September 2024 19:42
Birmingham households will receive a free cost of living payment worth £200 to help them get through the winter.
The Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP, provides the Household Support Fund, which is a fixed amount of money that enables local authorities to assist the most vulnerable households.
Birmingham City Council Launches £200 Payments to Support Households in Need
Birmingham City Council is providing £200 payments to help with essential costs such as food, energy, and water. The local government states, " "Various forms of assistance are being offered to address a wide range of household circumstances. "These funds are not impacted by the section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council (BCC)," as reported by Birmingham Live.
The council emphasizes in its guide to the Household Support Fund that all applications must be made legitimately. They warn, "You may have committed an offence under the Fraud Act 2006 if you falsely declare your circumstances, provide a false statement, or provide false evidence in support of your application."
The council has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and financial irregularity, stating, "We will report all suspicions of fraud relating to this scheme to West Midlands Police." This strict stance ensures that support reaches those who genuinely need it. The Birmingham Voluntary Service Council's (BVSC) Hardship Grant Community Fund (HGCF) is an element of the council's overall Household Support Fund (HSF) initiative.
Who Can Apply for Birmingham City's £200 Cost of Living Payment?
The council will be accepting applications until September 30, 2024, or until the entire fund has been expended, whichever comes first. To be able to qualify, you must reside in Birmingham resident and must be enduring financial hardship, notably when it comes to affording food and energy costs.
You can only apply for the £200 grant if your household hasn't received one in the last year. If you're having trouble filling out the form online, you can call 0121 634 7100 for assistance. The council is encouraging those facing difficulties in the Second City to make use of this support.