With the cost of living rising this year, the Government have promised payments to help individuals and families during this difficult time.

Below is some very important information which shows grant payments, details of when they are likely to be paid and how you can apply.

Council Tax Rebate

Over 90% of eligible residents have now received their energy bill rebates from Solihull Council. From 1 September if you are eligible for the payment and have not submitted your application your £150 rebate will be credited to your council tax account.

Any details needed to complete the online application form can be found in the letter that was sent to you at the end of April/beginning of May.

If you need a copy of your letter, please either send an email to energybillrebate@solihull.gov.uk quoting your full name and full address or contact SMBC by calling 0121 704 8066.

Please note you will not be able to submit an application from 1 September.

■ Visit Solihull Council’s website for more information.

Low-income benefits and tax credits

How much are the grants?

£650 per household. This will be paid in two instalments of £326 and £324.

Who is eligible for support?

Households on the below benefits as of 25 May 2022 can receive the first instalment:

– Universal Credit*

5 Legacy Benefits including

– Income based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)

– Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

– Income support

– Working Tax Credits at least £26 per year*

– Child Tax Credits at least £26 per year*

– Pension Credit

*Only eligible if entitlement started between 26 April – 25 May 2022.

When and how will this grant be paid?

If you receive Universal Credit, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, and Income Support then the grant will be paid into your account with this payment.

Anyone who receives Pension Credit will automatically be paid the grant in two instalments. The first payment will be paid between 14 – 31 July, 2022. Then the second payment of £324 will be paid in Autumn 2022.

Those who receive Tax Credits only will receive the payments in the Autumn and Winter months.

■ More information can be found by visiting Gov.uk. 

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

How much are the grants?

£300 per household.

Who is eligible for support?

Anyone over the State Pension age of 66+ between 19-25 September 2022. You must receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

When and how will this payment be processed?

This will be an automatic payment as a top up to your Winter Fuel Payment in November or December.

For most pensioner households, this will be paid by direct debit.

■ More information can be found by visiting Gov.uk. 

Disability Cost of Living Payment

How much are the grants?

£150 per claimant.

Who is eligible for support?

Anyone on one of the following benefits since 25 May 2022:

-Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

– Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

– Attendance Allowance (AA)

– Scottish Disability Benefits

– Armed Forces Independence Payment

– Constant Attendance Allowance

– War Pension Mobility Supplement

When and how will this payment be processed?

Paid automatically in September 2022.

■ More information can be found by visiting Gov.uk.

Energy Bills Support Scheme

How much is the grant?

£400 per household.

Who is eligible for support?

Households with a domestic electricity meter.

When and how will this payment be processed?

This will be paid to your energy supplier over six months, starting October 2022.

Direct debits and credit customers will have the money added to their account. Pre-payment meter customers will have money applied to their meter or paid by a voucher.

■ More information can be found by visiting Gov.uk. 

Household Support Fund

How much are the grants?

Grants are discretionary.

Who is eligible for support?

Any of our tenants can apply for help with food, fuel and essential household items.

When and how will payments be processed?

Our SCH Money Advice Team have been helping to share these funds to our tenants since October 2021.

Awards are made once an assessment has been submitted.

Apply by calling our Contact Centre on 0121 717 1515.

Other support available in Solihull

Solihull Council Grant Support webpage. 

SCH Money Advice Team

– Contact us by calling 0121 717 1515