£200 cost of living payments to enter bank accounts in October

Emergency fund is launching again to help low-income households during winter

Cost of living payments will be available for millions of low-income households heading into winter. People will be able to make applications to their local councils for cash from a crisis fund.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is launching again for winter 2024/25 from October. Local authorities will soon start confirming details for when residents can apply for cash payments.

Individual councils decide how much to pay out, meaning payments differ across the country. birmingham-city-council>Birmingham City Council paid out £200 grants this summer.

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Payments could start being handed out from October, though it could be a bit later in other areas. People should check their council's Household Support Fund page for full details.

In order to be successful, applicants usually have to show they are suffering financial hardship. They may also have to be claiming benefits, though this doesn't have to be the case.

The Government confirmed earlier this month the HSF would be extended. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous Governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.

"But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do - provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said: "We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.

"The dire inheritance we face means more people are living in poverty now than 14 years ago – and this Government is taking immediate action to prevent a cliff edge of support for the most vulnerable in our society."