We caught up with our Money Advice manager, Tracey, to hear how her team helps our tenants manage their finances.
What does the Money Advice team do?
We’re a team of qualified advisers who provide free and confidential advice and support to tenants with benefit and debt issues. Our goal is to help our tenants sustain their tenancies and live independently in their own homes.
Some of the issues we offer free advice and support to our tenants on include:
- Claiming benefits
- Challenging benefit decisions
- Claiming grants for support
- Advice with rent arrears
- Offering suitable debt solutions
Meet our Money Advice Manager, Tracey
Are there any common patterns you see when it comes to tenants managing their finances?
I continue to see our tenants experiencing problems with the cost of living. For example, some tenants on welfare benefits have had support from the government through the cost-of-living payments. We can help our tenants make sure they’re claiming all the help and benefits they’re entitled to.
I’ve also seen a high number of tenants think that we will ‘tell them what to do’, however our job is to advise and provide options suited to their individual needs. Every tenant is different, so the advice my team and I give will always be tailored to their situation.
It’s also important for tenants to understand that seeking advice and support is empowering and gives you the opportunity to take control of your financial situation before things get difficult.
What top 3 money advice tips would you give to tenants who are struggling with their finances?
- Prepare an income and expenditure statement – this means writing down what money you have coming in, and what you’re spending.
- After you have paid your priority bills, such as rent, council tax and energy bills, you should ask yourself whether you can make any cutbacks.
- If you know you cannot make ends meet or you’re falling into debt, immediately reach out for advice and support.
How can tenants get in touch with the Money Advice team?
You can ask your Rent Payment Officer to refer you to the Money Advice team by calling our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540, or you can self-refer by completing our form.
