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 […]
Money Matters – Anonymous Resident
“I was 19, a single mum with a baby, estranged from my parents and my ex-boyfriend threw me out. I didn’t know where to turn. Luckily I managed to get into temporary accommodation with Warrington Council, and was fortunate enough to be offered a permanent home with Warrington Housing Association. When I received the keys […]
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 […]
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 […]
WARNING: Universal Credit Scam
To help Warrington residents stay one step ahead, WHA Money Advice Officer, Steven, warns of a recent scam targeting benefit claimants. How does the scam work? Scammers have been posing as government officials to offer loans to benefit claimants to persuade into sharing their personal details. A claim for Universal Credit is then made in […]
Money Matters – Bob and Doris’ Story
We were referred to Steven for a benefits check after using the services of Warrington Home Information & Improvement Agency for advice about a number of minor repairs to our home. Steven came to our house and looked at our income to see if there was anything else we could claim. He realised that Doris […]
Mental Health Awareness Week
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week our Money Advice Officer, Steven, explains how money, debt and mental health are linked – and what you can do to turn things around. Debt can affect mental health, and mental health can lead to more debt. This can cause a downward spiral and you can easily feel […]