Resources

Budget Tool

Make a budget to understand your regular income and establish boundaries on different spending requirements. At Riverside Money Advice we can help you work through this and get everything balanced. If you want to use an online tool to have a go yourself, head to: Budget planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper

Budget Planner

Moneyhelper

The government has put together a website to try and provide a single source of all information relating to finances. There’s a wide range of information covering benefits, pensions, family events, and savings. It’s a good first stop to find out answers to general questions. Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

Bailiffs Factsheet

Worried about bailiffs turning up at your door. Bailiffs are simply collecting a debt owed to someone else, and have no power to force entry into your home unless you let them in. Coming to an advice centre like ours will help you get back in control of the situation. If you are vulnerable, the council should not be using a bailiff to collect a debt such as council tax, and we can help you to sort that out. Download our fact sheet about bailiffs.

Download

Household Support Fund

Birmingham’s Household Support Fund, which provides a one-off payment of £200 for a household, is open again until 31 March or until funds are exhausted. There are a number of scams circulating via text message, WhatsApp, and social media. They are not real, and you should not attempt to provide your name and bank account details. We are waiting for contact details for the centres open to help process applications where you can visit in person, but you can register direct at www.hsfbirmingham.online”

Apply Online

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off, tax free payment made during the winter to help with heating costs. In July 2024, changes were announced to the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment scheme. Previously, it was open to everyone above State Pension age – now you must have reached State Pension age and be receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit during the week of 16-22 September. This means most pensioners who received the payment last year will not qualify this winter. For those that are eligible, payments will be made automatically during November and December. If you are applying for the first time, you should receive your payment before Christmas. The amount you can receive each winter (between £200 and £300) can vary, according to your personal circumstances, your age, and whether other people living with you are also eligible.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It’s designed to make things a bit easier if you’re living on a low income, or in receipt of the guarantee element of Pension Credit. If your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme then you don’t need to apply for it – you’ll get the payment automatically. You still qualify if you are using payment cards – you should receive a voucher by post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

Are there benefits I can apply for?

We use one of three benefit checkers to find out whether you are missing out on something you are entitled to, depending on your age and circumstances. Our first stop is Turn2Us, which you can try for yourself: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Can I get my debts written off?

In some circumstances. We provide free, face-to-face advice, and do not charge for the help we provide. We work to get you completely on top of your finances, and debt-free where that is possible. In the last year we have written off £300,000 of debt, and given a number of clients a total fresh start. We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means that you are guaranteed un-biased help and not pressure that is trying to sell you a product or charge you money.

Where should I go for advice?

Free face-to-face advice is best for looking at paperwork. We’re one of over 160 centres around the country, affiliated to Community Money Advice. Our sister network, Christians Against Poverty, has hundreds of volunteers based in churches around the UK who can also come out to your home if needed. Use the debt advice locator tool to find the nearest centre to you.

Some advice-finders do not like the holistic and faith-based networks that we are part of, and ignore us, but in our opinion you won’t find better advice or support.

Do you do IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements)?

There are a number of debt solutions depending on your circumstances. At present, many IVAs are being mis-sold and are a source of profit for companies on the back of people hitting financial difficulties. Since we started in 2010, only one client in 400 has been suitable for an IVA, who we signposted to a trusted provider, and continued to support them through the duration. There are other options, and we’ll help you understand them and pick the right journey.

How do I find my nearest advice centre?

If your postcode is B5, B11, B12, B13, B14 or the surrounding area, you’ve already come to the right place. Pop in on our Wednesday drop-in between 10-2.30pm to start your journey to freedom. If you’re outside of this area, give us a call first on 0808 196 8778.

Who do you help?

Anyone who asks, no matter the situation.

My friend needs help. Can you do something for them?

A successful debt advice journey is only possible when it is wanted. Your friend needs to come to us, and of course will appreciate your help if that is the encouragement they need to step through the door or pick up the phone.