The importance of having contents insurance and how to compare prices
Steven Higham, money advice officer at Warrington Housing Association, was shocked to hear how many tenants do not have content insurance to cover their treasured possession. Here he talks about how to get the best deal. “It’s surprising how many of our residents don’t have cover. Do you have home contents insurance? If you don’t, […]
Black Friday Do’s and Don’ts
Picture the scene; It’s black Friday, your eyes are drooping, your stomach is growling, your children are screaming. Slumped at the end of a snaking queue, the tills are a dot at the other end of the shop. Your anxiety levels are climbing faster than your credit card bill. Worst of all, the thing you […]
Universal Credit Sanctions Length Slashed!
The harsh sanctions regime has been a controversial issue over the last few years, with claimants being refused benefits for up to 3 years in extreme cases. New rules in force from 27 November 2019 offer some relief for claimants as the maximum length of a sanction is being reduced down to 6 months and, […]
Universal Credit Christmas Double Wage Payment Tips
Our Money Advice Officer is always on the lookout for solutions to problems caused by the benefits system, and has some hints and tips to share for Universal Credit claimants who lose out if their wages are paid early over Christmas. The Problem: Universal Credit is calculated each month based on income paid in the […]
International Credit Union Day 2019
17 October 2019 is International Credit Union Day, this years’ theme is Local Service: Global Reach. Our Money Advice Officer, Steven, explains what Credit Unions are and how to get involved. Credit Unions are financial co-operatives which provide savings, loans and other services to their members whilst being fully owned and controlled by their members. They are […]
Good News for Universal Credit Claimants
There’s some good news for Universal Credit claimants this month as the amount of money that can be taken from their claims to repay debts is being reduced. Steven, our Money Advice Officer, explains what this means and why it’s a positive for claimants. What can be deducted? There’s lots of debts that can be […]
WHA is proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week to keep our tenants safe
As landlords, we take the safety of all our tenants and their homes very seriously and are are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2019, September 16-22. Our property services officer Jeff said: “We are legally and ethically responsible for the safety of the whole Warrington Housing Association family. “All our gas appliances are […]
Pension Awareness Day
15 September 2019 is Pension Awareness Day, a national campaign to highlight the growing problem that many people are not saving enough for their retirement and risk facing pension poverty in later life. Our Money Advice Officer is here to help Warrington residents understand their rights and the advantages of saving for retirement, and to […]
How our WHA team is supporting tenants in the everchanging world of benefits
Housing associations have their part to play in helping tenants negotiate the complex world of benefits and to stem the tide of rising rent arrears. The impact of the hugely controversial Universal Credit – and particularly its housing element – has been highlighted many times since its introduction six years ago. Housing benefit that was […]
Universal Credit SDP Refunds – Act Now!
Details have finally been published about refunds due to claimants who have moved to Universal Credit and lost their Severe Disability Premium (SDP). Steven, our Money Advice Officer, explains what this means and how to make sure you get what you’re due. What is the SDP? The SDP was an extra amount paid to disabled […]
