News 11


Money in your pocket


Our advisors help tenants save millions W


E’VE helped tenants access almost £12million in unclaimed benefits in just over two years.


GHA’s welfare benefits advisors provide expert advice to help tenants claim the benefits and tax credits they’re due. That means more money in tenants’ pockets in these tough times. Now we’re urging even more tenants to get in touch and get help to claim all of their unclaimed benefits. And with Universal Credit being rolled out in Glasgow this month, that’s more important than ever. GHA’s Hazel Young said: “It’s really


IF you’re affected by the bedroom tax you could still get help from Glasgow City Council. The council can offer Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to people concerned.


important tenants get in touch so we can help make sure they are claiming what’s rightfully theirs.” Universal Credit is the UK Government’s new single payment for people who are looking for work or on a low income. It replaces the existing benefit system. If you think you might be affected, talk to your housing officer. If you’re moving to Universal Credit


you’ll be asked to provide an address for your landlord. The address you should use is: GHA, Universal Credit Team, Lipton House, 170 Crown Street, Glasgow G5 9XD.


Council payments may be available


If you’re eligible, the council will have already written to you. If you’re affected by the bedroom tax but haven’t received a letter from the council, talk to your housing officer as


soon as possible. If you need a DHP for other reasons - not the bedroom tax - you’ll have to re-apply. Visit www.glasgow.


gov.uk/ben or phone 287 5050.


10 ways we can help


3: FURNISHING YOUR HOME Tenants can get recycled furniture through our Home Comforts service.


4: BANKING We can help you find the bank account that is right for you and provide free budgeting advice.


5: GETTING ONLINE Our Click & Connect centres can help you use computers and get online for free.


6: HANDYPERSON SERVICE The Handyperson service helps over-60s and disabled tenants with odd jobs round the home.


7: JOBS AND TRAINING We have a range of schemes to help people into work.


8: HELP FOR SINGLE PARENTS Our Lone Parent Information and Advice Network offers money advice and help to move into work. There are local groups and advisors for one-to-one chats.


9: TENANCY SUPPORT SERVICE Care and support is available for tenants in crisis or in need of urgent support.


10: LOW-COST INSURANCE GHA tenants can benefit from low-cost home contents insurance to give extra peace of mind.


9


easy ways to pay rent


1. DIRECT DEBIT: Set up a bank instruction to pay your rent weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly or monthly.


2. ONLINE: Visit our website www.gha.org.uk and follow the instructions, or visit www. facebook.com/glasgowhousing


3. BY TELEPHONE: Call 0800 479 7979, or 0141 274 7979, to pay by debit or credit card.


4. IN PERSON: Drop into our ground-floor shop at 173 Trongate and pay by cash, cheque or with your credit or debit card using our chip and PIN facilities.


5. BY STANDING ORDER: Set up a standing order with your bank.


6. POST OFFICE: Pay at the post office with a GHA rent payment card.


7. BY PAYPOINT: At any shop that displays the PayPoint sign.


8. BY POST: Send a cheque or postal order to: GHA, 173 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HF.


9. HOUSING BENEFIT: If you receive full housing benefit, your rent is paid by Glasgow City Council. If you receive partial housing benefit, you are responsible for paying the rest.


Want more information? Call us on Freephone 0800 479 7979, go to www.gha.org.uk or drop in and see us at 173 Trongate.


i theKEY - www.gha.org.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16