News 9


GHA is here to help with Universal Credit


THERE are some changes to Universal Credit – but GHA is here to help. The Department of Work and Pensions


(DWP) has introduced what’s called ‘in-work conditionality’ for people who are working and claiming Universal Credit. That means people need to fulfil conditions in order to continue claiming and avoid being sanctioned. One of the main changes is that there


art their new career


increased my confidence too. “I’d like to be a housing officer but I know that there are plenty of opportunities in Wheatley Group. “There’s a lot of training available


even after the apprenticeship.” The apprenticeships are supported by the Wheatley Foundation. Foundation Director Lorraine McLaren said: “Our Modern Apprenticeship


programme is a great opportunity for young people to get a foot on the career ladder.” Wheatley is taking on another 13


environmental apprentices in October, to help keep communities clean and green. A total of 331 Modern Apprentices


have been taken on since the scheme was launched in 2009.


Our Power, your savings


TENANTS can access cheaper energy thanks to Our Power - a ‘not for profit’ energy supply company. Wheatley Group – GHA’s parent company – teamed up with other Scottish social landlords to set up Our Power to help make the energy industry work better for the people they serve. Tenants will benefit from a 12-month fixed-term tariff which is among the lowest in the country. It’s also the same price whether you


pay by Direct Debit or prepayment meter. Our Power will install a smart meter


in your home and offer tailored advice on the best ways to stay warm and save money.


You’ll also be able to easily see


how much energy you are using and there are more flexible ways to pay.


For more on Our Power, smart meters, how to switch and the tariffs available, visit www.our-power.co.uk or call free on 0808 168 4534 or email customerservice @our-power.co.uk


are no longer any complete exemptions from being expected to look for work. Even people who are submitting medical certificates will still have to commit to look for work while an assessment is carried out. In the case of couples, both partners will also have to accept an individual commitment to receive Universal Credit. A sanction can often result in rent not being paid – so if you are affected by the changes, our welfare benefit advisors can help. To make an appointment, talk to your housing officer, visit www.gha.org.uk or call free on 0800 479 7979.


Warm Home Discount could be available


IF YOU earn less than £16,000 a year you could qualify for a discount on your electricity bills. The Warm Home Discount – which


is worth £140 a year – is available for tenants on certain benefits through their electricity provider. Tenants who are on Pension Credit (Guaranteed Element) should get a letter from the DWP by the end of November telling them if they automatically qualify or if they should apply to their energy provider. If you’re a pensioner, but not on


Pension Credit, you can also apply for the discount. You can also apply if you, or someone


in your home, is claiming certain benefits. If you’re annual income is less than £16,000, you could qualify. But there are other criteria, and it depends on whether your electricity supplier is in the scheme. Contact your supplier, or talk to your housing officer, who can set up an appointment with a fuel advisor to check things out for you.


theKEY - www.gha.org.uk


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