News 5


Don’t be tempted to skip a payment


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If you are struggling with rent, get in touch “I’d say to people not to be frightened.


HRISTMAS is always expensive – but it’s really important to put rent first.


Rent pays for the vital services tenants


want from us – including GHA’s round- the-clock repairs service, environmental services which keep neighbourhoods clean, and improvements to your home and community. Rent also keeps a roof over your head. Remember, if you’re struggling to keep up with payments, GHA is here to help. We can help with benefits and money advice, give you expert tips on cutting your fuel bills, support you into jobs and training, as well as help to furnish your home.


That support can be a lifeline for


tenants worried about making ends meet. Tenant Lynn Smillie, from Mosspark,


knows how important that help can be. Lynn, 48, got into arrears after her marriage broke up – and says the best advice for tenants in that situation is to talk to their housing officer. She said: “I had worked all my life and had never been in that situation. It was difficult - I felt guilty not being able to pay my rent.


“My housing officer approached me about working out my finances. That was a real lifeline – sitting down to talk about my situation. “GHA were very understanding and helped me with a payment plan.


“Rent pays for GHA’s 24/7 repairs,


environmental teams and investment in homes and communities. “That’s why it’s so important. “We have lots of ways to help tenants who may be in difficulty. Our advisors can help with benefits and money advice, fuel bills, jobs and training - even furnishing your home. “But it’s really important tenants come and talk to us. “We’re here to help.” Talk to your housing officer, visit www.gha.org.uk or phone free on 0800 479 7979.


we can help you through


computer centres across Glasgow where you can get online for free.


The Handyperson Service helps over-60s and disabled tenants with odd jobs round the home, while Home Comforts can offer you recycled furniture. Remember, you don’t


have to be in arrears or be unemployed to receive this support. We’re here to support all


tenants, at any time. For more on any of these services, talk to your housing officer, visit www.gha.org.uk or phone us free on 0800 479 7979.


You’re not alone. Talk to your housing officer. “Your home is your sanctuary, that’s


why it’s so important. “Getting on a payment plan means


you’re going forward – even if it’s small steps.


“The support from GHA is a lifeline out of a dark hole.” GHA’s Andy Ashcroft added: “It’s vital tenants make paying rent a priority.


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 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


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