Benefits

Information about benefits including Council Tax Reduction (previously known as Council Tax Benefit), Housing Benefit, Financial Assessment, Free School Meals, Special Needs and Education Maintenance Awards.

• Council Tax Reduction
  

  This is available to help reduce the Council Tax Charge.

• Housing Benefit
  

  The purpose of the Housing Benefit Scheme is to help people on low incomes pay their rent.

  The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) scheme is designed to be a less complicated way of working out Housing Benefit for individuals on a low income who live in private rented accommodation and need help to pay their rent.

  For further details on the present rules governing entitlement to Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit visit GOV.UK

• Applying for Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit
  

  Information on how to apply and notify the Council of changes to your circumstances.

• Welfare Reform
  

  There are many changes to benefits and tax credits happening now and over the next few years. These changes are part of the Government’s Welfare Reform.

• Benefit Cap
  

  The Government has introduced a benefit cap which is effective from April 2013. This will mean a benefit cut for some out of work residents in Solihull.

• Local Housing Allowance
  

  The Local Housing Allowance scheme is designed to be a simpler and fairer way of working out Housing Benefit for people on a low income who live in private rented accommodation and need help to pay their rent.

• Financial assessment
  

  The amount that you have to pay towards your home care would depend on how many hours of care you receive and your financial circumstances. If you are in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit you will not have to pay.

• Sixth form access funds
  

  Information about Sixth Form Access Funds and how to apply.

• Fraud investigation
  

  This area of our web site provides information about the Investigation Team's anti-fraud activity in relation to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.