Money and Benefits

Even at the best of times, dealing with money and debt, or working out what help you or your family are entitled to can be tricky. In today’s busy world, it’s not always easy to sit down and find the time to work through what might seem like a mountain of complex information and advice.

If you are having problems paying your mortgage, your rent, or debts and bills are mounting you need to take action, fast. Small things, such as working out a budget, or cutting down on a few luxuries can make a real difference.

Whether you’re struggling with debt problems, unsure about how to claim for help, need advice on a mortgage, or on filling out forms - this guide aims to give you a clear, concise guidance to help you work out what’s right for you.

What benefits am I entitled to?

Birmingham Benefits Service provide information about Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance and Council Tax Benefit. View Benefits FAQ for answers to the most common questions.

Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits information on how to claim them is available on the HMRC website.

Where can I find information about my council tax?

For information and help with your council tax, contact:

for Perry Barr, Small Heath, Sutton Coldfield, Hall Green, Selly Oak or Sparkbrook:

counciltaxnorthsouth@birmingham.gov.uk

for Erdington, Hodge Hill, Yardley, Edgbaston, Ladywood or Northfield:

counciltaxeastwest@birmingham.gov.uk

All areas
www.birmingham.gov.uk/counciltax
tel: 0121 303 1113
Birmingham City Council
Resources Department
Revenues and Benefits
P O Box 5
Birmingham
B4 7AB

Or go to your local neighbourhood office. To find your nearest office go to
www.birmingham.gov.uk/neighbourhoodoffices

Contact Birmingham on 0121 303 1111

I need help with rent payments...

Rent service provides information and advice on any issue concerning rent payments to Birmingham City Council.

I need to find advice on managing my debts...

Debt Advice Team provide confidential advice and work with you to find solutions to your debt problem. They can be contact on 0121 303

2087.

Direct.gov has a number of free independant sources of advice on money, tax and benefits. The Government has also set up a online debt advice gateway.

www.talkaboutdebt.co.uk is a free confidential debt charity helpline which offers practical advice to make sure you receive the right debt advice for their personal circumstances.

Further money advice links on Birmingham.gov.uk

Where can I get financial support?

Financial Inclusion Partnership was set up to address debt, poverty and other issues. People who are are unable to access mainstream financial products such as bank accounts and low cost loans may turn to the alternative credit market. In doing so they may pay higher levels of interest, and this can lead to financial and social exclusion as well as poverty.

Birmingham Law Centre give advice on money for Birmingham residents

Birmingham Settlement has for many years pioneered free and confidential money advice services. The Community Money Advice Centre has been giving advice to people with financial difficulties in Birmingham since 1972. The current service offers free, confidential and independent advice to anyone who lives within Birmingham City boundaries.

Credit Unions offer a range of saving options and provide affordable loans. Credit unions provide accessible services throughout Birmingham. Some Credit Unions operate in specific neighbourhoods; others offer a service to larger areas of the city.

Who can I speak to for help with my mortgage?

Homeowners Mortgage Support (HMS) is part of the Governments package of help for people who are having problems meeting their repayments. HMS is designed to help households whose income has dropped as a result of the economic downturn.

The Mortgage Rescue scheme involves a package of measures designed to prevent vulnerable families losing their homes.

A mortgage arrears leaflet “Are you worried about your Mortgage?” is available from National Homelessness Advice Services (NHAS).

Useful Links

Help for Residents
Backing Birmingham Homepage
Latest recession news from Birmingham Newsroom

The Development Directorate leads on the city council’s ‘succeed economically’ strategic outcome, and provides a range of statutory and other services to businesses and householders alike.