Due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it’s so important to make sure you’re getting all the financial help you’re entitled to, and that’s why our money coaches are here to help.
We’re committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing not just quality housing, but also invaluable practical support. Between January 2023 and July 2023, the amazing efforts of our money coaches have resulted in huge savings, totalling an impressive £410,462.84. And in this time, 346 people have received coaching from our team.
Our dedicated team help our customers access various benefits and claims that they didn’t even know they could get, as well as teaching people how to manage their money. The coaching is all about helping you to help yourself. Our coaches work with customers to give them the skills, confidence and information needed to help manage their tenancy independently.
But what sort of things have we helped them claim?
- Discretionary housing payment
- Housing benefit
- Universal credit – housing
- Attendance allowance
- Council tax support
- Grants
- Pension credit
- Personal independence payment
- Universal credit - payment
Customer Independence Manager, Tom Oliver said:
“These figures speak volumes and are a testament to the hard work of our dedicated money coaching team.
“The support we offer is free and confidential, and available to any customers and colleagues who are having difficulties paying bills and managing their money.
“If you’re feeling stressed and worried about money, please don’t suffer in silence. Speak to us. We’re here to support you.”
A customer story:
Our customer Jeff said we could share his story to inspire others to reach out for support if they need it. We’ve changed Jeff’s name to protect his identity.
Jeff lives at one of our schemes in North Yorkshire and suffered a brain injury. He turned state pension age in November 2022 and our scheme manager submitted a referral to our money coaching service, to make sure Jeff was getting all the benefits he was entitled to.
Our money coach completed a benefit check for Jeff which flagged that he was entitled to pension credit. The coach then helped Jeff to complete an online pension credit application and requested this to be backdated by 3 months. The backdate also meant that the customer was able to get a £301 cost-of-living payment. Jeff’s weekly income has now increased by £73.60 due to the pension credit award.
Jeff said the money coaching service has improved his wellbeing due to reducing his financial anxiety and our team is staying in touch with him in case he needs any further money coaching support.
If you’re a customer or colleague and would like to speak to our money and tenancy coaching team, please click here for more information about how to get in touch.