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THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE A NEW ROUND OF COST OF LIVING PAYMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE STRUGGLING TO PAY FOR ESSENTIALS LIKE FOOD AND ENERGY BILLS IN BIRMINGHAM 05:40, 01 Jun 2025 New
cost-of-living support payments are imminent for those on low incomes. Local councils across the country are poised to disburse funds from the Household Support Fund (HSF). Residents have
the opportunity to apply for grants, with different councils hosting schemes at various intervals throughout the year. To get top tips and advice for saving cash, don't forget to
subscribe to our newsletter. birmingham-city-council>Birmingham City Council is prepping to debut its summer tranche of cost-of-living payments, totalling £200 a head. This lifeline will
be accessible again starting June 1, as officials home in on helping those facing the toughest squeeze. Article continues below If you've pocketed HSF funds in the last year, you might
not qualify this time around. Prospective claimants need to demonstrate they're wrestling with financial challenges and can't stretch to meet essential costs like food and energy
bills. For comprehensive info on what's up for grabs in your region, eligibility criteria, and timeline, peek at your local council's Household Support Fund webpage. The Birmingham
Voluntary Services Council, working alongside the city council to hand out the aid, has flagged: "Please be advised that enquiries will reopen in June 2025." And they've
advised: "If you are not currently on the waiting list, and it has now been 12 months since your household last received a grant payment, you will be able to submit a new enquiry once
the scheme reopens in June 2025." With the Government chiming in, they remind the public: "You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. "This is
sometimes known as 'the Household Support Fund'. "This could help if you're struggling to afford things like: energy and water bills; food; essential items".
"Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays. Article continues below "Funding is aimed at anyone who's vulnerable or cannot pay for
essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council."