Finance
If you are worried about your financial circumstances the following may be able to offer you support and guidance.
- Would like to increase your income?
- Are you worried your home might be at risk?
- Need help with benefit or debt advice?
- Need help to manage your money?
Would you like to increase your income?
Money Counts - Is brought to you by SMBC and partners. If you're feeling the pinch in the current economic down turn, then we've got advice and information on how to increase your personal and household income including:
Top 10 Tips to offer practical advice to ease the strain, from energy saving advice to useful contacts that could help you with any entitlements to discounts and benefits that could help reduce your bills. The Top 10 Tips are also available in leaflet form from your local Connect Centre or Area Housing Office.
Budgeting advice to help you review your expenditure, assist in managing your individual or household finances which includes an easy to use on-line budget calculator and a printable budget form to help you keep an eye on where money goes every month.
Benefit Entitlement information to help you identify and claim financial benefits you may be entitled to.
Money/ Debt advice If you are struggling with debt do not feel alone, free advice and help is available to you from a variety of organisations.
Energy Efficiency View information and advice to find out how you could reduce your fuel costs or if you are eligible for financial assistance to help keep your home warm.
Struggling to pay your Council Tax? View information to help you claim any reductions on your council tax you may be entitled to or to seek help in managing your payments.
Free or Cheap entertainment Good local entertainment or things to do that won’t cost the earth.
Are you worried you home might be at risk?
Solihull Community Housing (SCH), Money Advice Team provides high quality, impartial advice to customers whose homes are at risk due to multiple debts. They may also be able to assist those in need of white goods, grants for essential household items (for example a bed) or food parcels. The services they offer are available to SCH tenants or anyone in need of help. More information is available on SCH Money Advice webpage or by contacting 0121 717 1515.
Need Help with benefit or debt advice?
Benefits from Solihull Metropolitian Borough Council or 0121 7048100. If your household is on a low income, you may be entitled to claim assistance on your Rent, Council Tax bills, Social Care, or receive free school meals, Special Needs and Education Maintenance awards.
To view more benefits you may be entitled to visit the Department for Work & Pensions web site.
Money/ Debt advice If you are struggling with debt do not feel alone, free advice and help is available to you from a variety of organisations.
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a national charitable network which can provide fee, confidential independent advice from over 3,000 locations. The CAB offers many services to customers including help in claiming benefits, debt advice and understanding legal rights.
More information is available on Citizens Advice Bureau advice guide web site or by contacting your local office:
- Solihull Citizens Advice 0844 8269716
The Priory, Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3LF
Opening advice times 10am - 2pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - Shirley Citizens Advice 0844 826 9716
274 Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AD
Opening advice times 10am - 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - Chelmsley Wood Citizens Advice 0844 826 9716
179 Bosworth Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 5DZ
Opening advice times 9.30am - 2pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday
C.A.R.A (Chemsley Advice & Resource Agency) Keepers Lodge Chemsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 7RS can be contacted on 0121 770 3773.
National Debtline or 0808 808 4000
Mind - Money and Mental health
Age Concern is available to assist in money advice for those over 50 and is aware of specialist issues for the elderly including care bills. More information is available on Age Concern web site or by contacting 0121 717 1515.
Advice on other financial benefits you could receive:
Tax Credits - If you are a family with a household income under £62,000 per year you may be entitled to Tax Credits. For more information on tax credits view the HM Revenue and Customs website or contact them on 0845 300 3900
Pension Credits If you are 60 or over and have a low income you may be entitled to Pension Credits.To find out more or to make a claim view the Pension Service website or call them on 0800 991234
Benefits and Financial Support
Need help to manage your money?
The Credit Union offers Sensible borrowing and saving For more information contact the Credit Union that covers the Solihull area on 0121 350 8883.