Customer Services
Money & Benefits Advice
To ensure all customers and tenants are claiming the right income related benefits, tax credits and benefits for people with disabilities and their carers, Yorkshire Housing employs a team of community initiatives advisers. The team offers free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues relating to money and debt management as well as problems with rent arrears.
The 'D' Word
When money is tight it's sometimes tempting to put off paying an important bill. However Yorkshire Housing Community Initiative Advisor (CIA) Soyab Karolia says that's often the worst thing you can do and may result in serious debt problems.
"It's easy to think about missing one payment and catching up later," he said. "But if you arealready struggling financially, it often becomes impossible to catch up and that's when your problems really start.
"If you are struggling to pay your rent the important message is don't ignore the problem - please inform your housing offi cer. You won't be the first person with this problem and you won't be the last. We will work with you to come to an arrangement that is manageable for you and will ensure your tenancy remains safe."
Rent Arrears
Please remember we can help if you are facing rent arrears. However, if, despite all our efforts, you don't get in touch when we write to you about your rent arrears we will take court action which could result in the loss of your home. If you're concerned about rent arrears talk to your local housing officer today.
We're Here To Help
A CIA is a Community Initiatives Advisor that has specialist welfare rights and debt knowledge. The CIA can also offer independent advice on most issues around money and benefits.
Yorkshire Housing CIA's are:
All areas:
Citizens Advice Bureau
Find your local offi ce in the phone book or go to:Citizens Advice Bureau
Top tips to manage debt
Don't ignore debts.
Check you are claiming all the benefits and tax credits you are entitled to.
Pay priority bills first - rent, gas and electricity.
Work out what money comes in and what money goes out of your home each week.
If you owe money to any organisation, contact them as soon as possible.
Know your personal budget and show this to people you owe money to as this will help you plan reasonable repayments.
Even if you offer to make small regular payments - it's better than paying nothing at all.
Always keep copies of any letters or papers you send or receive and make a note of what's mbeen agreed in a telephone conversation.
Do not borrow money to pay off your bills without getting independent financial advice.
If any organisation is taking you to court - seek independent advice.
Remember - you don't have to cope on your own - help and advice is available if you ask for it.
Benefits Advice
Benefits checks
The team can give customers and tenants a benefits check to see if they are getting all that they are entitled to. The team can advise on which benefit to claim, how to claim it and help with filling in the forms.
The team can represent customers and tenants who need help to question decisions made by benefits departments.
Housing benefit
Most of our customers receive housing benefit to help pay their rent. The team can work out what an individual will be expected to pay towards their rent to avoid arrears arising while a new claim is being processed or an existing one is being re-assessed.Disability benefits
Customers with disabilities and their carers can be advised on what benefit is right for them to claim.