News 9 TENANTS WHO NEED HELP TO SET UP HOME ecomes a home


Benefits cut unfairly? We are here to help


IF you have your benefits stopped because of sanctions, we can help. People can be sanctioned by the Department of


Work and Pensions (DWP) for not searching hard enough for work or being late for appointments. Sanctions can last up to three years – and a


third of sanctions are being applied to people on Universal Credit. There are increasing case studies of unfair


sanctions. But we can help you challenge these sanctions. If you’re sanctioned, tell your housing officer


straight away. Ask for a review of the decision. More than half of those who request a review get the sanction overturned. You can also lodge a formal appeal. Your Housing Officer can help. Ask for a hardship payment from the DWP. Tell Glasgow City Council as soon as possible to


avoid your Housing Benefit being affected. You may be able to ask for a crisis payment. Your housing officer can help. GHA’s Andy Ashcroft said: “Sanctions can mean people are left with no money coming in. “It’s really important to challenge unfair sanctions – so please get in touch if you’re affected.”


Direct Debit is quick, easy and convenient


ep my home free of clutter


officer and she really helped. Someone from the Tenancy Support Service now comes to see me every week and is helping me with the items in the house. Now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I haven’t got rid of everything yet, I still need to hire a van.


But I see things differently. I was in denial. I was suffering


from depression. I think that my dad and my brother


wouldn’t want me to live like this. My brother and my dad are always


in my heart, so that allows me to get rid of their possessions. Now I try to keep the house tidy so I can feel happy within myself. I’m


going to get it redecorated too. No one else can help you if you


can’t help yourself. A tidy house is a healthy mind. Now I’m going to de-clutter and donate. I’m giving the clothes to a charity shop. It’s a great feeling. I’m donating the stuff to a cancer charity and it makes me feel good. It means I’m doing something to help other people.


• If you think you might be hoarding too many items in your home, or you know someone who is, we can help. Talk to your housing officer, who can arrange for our expert Tenancy Support Service staff to support you.


THOUSANDS of tenants are paying their rent through Direct Debit because it’s easier and more convenient. Direct Debits give you


more choice to pay your rent on any day of the month.


It also means no more trips to the bank or post office – and no more filling in forms. Tenant Patricia Green, from Mount Florida, set up a


Direct Debit last year. Patricia, 64, a retired nursing sister, said: “My housing officer arranged everything and it was done in minutes. “Now I know my rent is paid every four weeks and I don’t have to worry. “It’s much more convenient. Direct Debit is the way to go.”


GHA’s Andy Ashcroft said: “Direct Debit is easy to set up and the quickest way for tenants to keep on top of their rent. “It takes away the hassle because you know


payments won’t be late or missed.” To sign up, talk to your housing officer.


theKEY - www.gha.org.uk


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