Households struggling with living costs in are due to receive £200 worth of support from the local council in March.

The payments form part of the Government's , which was extended for another year to help families while costs remain high.

The Government added a further £421million to the pot for this year's round. The money is distributed to councils in England, who decide how best to allocate their portion of the fund. The amount each council receives is based on the size of the population within its catchment area and its needs.

Birmingham City Council is using its allocation to help residents with food, energy, and essential goods and supplies bills.

Due to a backlog, the council paused applications for its hardship grants in January. However, it has since been announced that the scheme will reopen in March.

A statement on its support page reads: "Enquiries will reopen in March 2025. If you are not currently on the waiting list, or it has now been 12 months since your household last received a grant payment, you will be able to submit a new enquiry once enquiries resume in March 2025."

To be eligible, people must:

• Be a Birmingham resident
• Must be able to demonstrate that their household is experiencing financial hardship, and in particular, covering food and energy costs
• Not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months.

To make an application when the scheme reopens on Monday, click.

Councils across the country are offering varying support, so it's key for Britons to check their local authority's website or call their office to see what's available.

For example, Blackpool Council offers residents up to £300 worth of energy and water support, while Council offers up to £200 to eligible households.

People can use this to find out what council they fall under.