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UK households can claim cost of living payments worth hundreds of pounds during October. Special cash payments are available from local councils and households in need of help can submit applications. It's part of a winter cost of living support package handed to local authorities by the Government through the Household Support Fund (HSF). READ MORE: HMRC to deduct £300 directly from bank accounts of state pensioners Get our best money saving tips and hacks by signing up to our newsletter Anyone can apply for the cash, though people in financial crisis will be prioritised for support. This will include families struggling to pay for basic essentials like food, gas and electricity. Local authorities run individual schemes and may pay out different amounts. Birmingham City Council offers £200 grants. Other support may also be available such as food vouchers and council tax discounts. Details of what is available and how to claim can be found on your council's Household Support Fund online pages. And it comes as a time when hard-up families will be worrying more about their bills as we head towards winter. Energy bills are going up from the start of October, piling more pressure on households. And people struggling to make ends meet can check with their local council to see if they can access the help. The Government says: "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."
