{"id":99929,"date":"2024-12-18T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/?p=99929"},"modified":"2024-12-17T22:44:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T22:44:43","slug":"households-can-claim-200-cost-of-living-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/households-can-claim-200-cost-of-living-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Struggling Households Can Claim \u00a3200 in Cost of Living Support \u2014 Check Eligibility!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thousands of low-income households<\/strong> in Birmingham<\/strong> can now apply for a \u00a3200 hardship grant<\/strong> to ease the pressure of rising living costs. This vital financial support, part of the Household Support Fund<\/strong>, aims to help families struggling to pay for essentials like food, electricity, and gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Household Support Fund?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Originally set up under the previous government and extended by Labour, the Household Support Fund<\/strong> has been boosted by an additional \u00a3421 million<\/strong>. It will run until March 31, 2025<\/strong>, ensuring local councils across England can support their most vulnerable residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the West Midlands<\/strong>, \u00a349 million has been allocated to help the 600,000 households<\/strong> living in poverty. Birmingham City Council has partnered with the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC)<\/strong> to manage and distribute its share of the funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Is Eligible for the \u00a3200 Grant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The BVSC has outlined three main criteria for households to qualify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. You must live in Birmingham<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. You must demonstrate financial hardship<\/strong>, particularly when it comes to affording food and energy costs. Proof of means-tested benefits will be required, such as Universal Credit<\/strong>, Pension Credit<\/strong>, or Housing Benefit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Your household must not have received a \u00a3200 grant in the last 12 months<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Applicants must first complete an enquiry form<\/strong> on the BVSC website, which serves as an initial eligibility check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Apply for the Grant Step-By-Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The BVSC has set up a clear process for applying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Visit the BVSC Household Support Fund webpage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Fill out the enquiry form<\/strong>, which assesses your eligibility. This is the first step and not the full application<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. BVSC will contact eligible applicants via email<\/strong> with further instructions to complete the process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis<\/strong>, so applying early is essential.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Applications will remain open until March 31, 2025<\/strong>, or until the funding is fully distributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Additional Support Provided Under the Fund<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      While the \u00a3200 grants are central to the program, the Household Support Fund also supports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n