More cost of living help is coming this summer for households in Birmingham and across the Midlands. Birmingham City Council, along with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), has confirmed that applications for Household Support Fund (HSF) payments will reopen in June 2025.
The £200 grant is aimed at helping low-income families with daily essentials like food, energy bills, water, and other household needs.
What Is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Household Support Fund is a government-funded scheme provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It offers one-time payments to households in financial difficulty to help cover basic costs.
Each local council in the UK runs its own version of the scheme at different times during the year. The Birmingham scheme is one of the largest, supporting thousands of local residents.
Who Can Apply?
Residents in Birmingham and surrounding Midlands areas can apply if:
- They are struggling with financial hardship
- They haven’t received an HSF grant in the last 12 months
- They can show difficulty in affording essentials like food and energy
You don’t need to be receiving benefits to qualify. However, you must show that you are in urgent need of support.
What’s the Current Status?
- The previous round of applications is now closed
- Those who already submitted enquiry forms and received approval emails are on the waiting list and don’t need to do anything
- New applications will reopen in June 2025
- Households who haven’t received a payment in over 12 months can apply again
BVSC confirmed:
“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.”
What Can You Use the £200 Grant For?
The support payment can be used for:
- Buying food and groceries
- Paying electricity or gas bills
- Covering water charges
- Purchasing essential goods like cooking or hygiene items
This grant is not a loan—you don’t have to pay it back.
How to Apply?
Once applications reopen in June:
- Visit the Birmingham City Council or BVSC website
- Fill in the online enquiry form
- Submit documents if asked (to prove financial hardship)
- Wait for confirmation via email or phone
Keep checking the official websites or sign up for alerts to know when exactly the application window opens.
The Household Support Fund continues to provide much-needed relief to struggling families in Birmingham and beyond. With a £200 grant available, this can offer help during these tough times. If you haven’t received this support in the past year, June 2025 is your chance to apply again. Make sure to keep your documents ready and apply as soon as the scheme reopens.
FAQ’s
When will the Household Support Fund reopen in Birmingham?
The next round of applications for the Household Support Fund will reopen in June 2025, as confirmed by Birmingham City Council and BVSC.
How much can I get from the Household Support Fund?
Eligible households can receive a £200 one-time payment to help cover essentials such as food, energy bills, water, and basic goods.
Who can apply for the Household Support Fund?
Anyone facing financial hardship and who hasn’t received a grant in the past 12 months may apply. Proof of need is usually required.
What documents are needed for the application?
You may be asked to submit documents that show your income, expenses, or financial difficulty. The exact requirements will be explained during the application.
Do I need to repay the £200 Household Support Fund grant?
No, this is a grant provided by the council using government funds. It does not need to be repaid.
