Housing association tenants in Amber Valley are getting extra help to tackle debt thanks to a new service being provided by their landlord.
Amber Valley Housing has launched a money advice service to help those with money worries.
The housing association, which owns and manages more than 5,500 affordable homes across the borough, has appointed a new money advice co-ordinator, Helena Jones, to provide this support.
Helena is available for appointments and can check that tenants are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to, give advice on budgeting and make arrangements to clear priority and other debts, we can also sign post you to other partnering organisations as needed.
Paul Parkinson, executive director of Amber Valley Housing, said: “Debt can feel insurmountable and can easily get out of hand.
“Our tenants have told us that they would like extra help to tackle money worries and we are pleased to be able to further improve the service we offer.
“In the current climate, it is increasingly important that everyone makes the most of their available income. We want to help tenants do just that, as well as give them access to the right advice and support.
“This service isn’t just about tackling rent arrears. It is about looking at wider money management issues to give tenants the best platform for financial stability.
“At the same time if tenants are concerned about getting behind with their rent our message is to seek help as soon as possible. The sooner we know about the problem the more easily we can help.
“ Any Amber Valley Housing tenant interested in finding out more can contact the Customer Services Team on 01773 573100.
Money advice tips
Helena offers the following tips for managing your money
Top tips to help you manage your money ·
Open all your mail and sort it into two piles - “priority payments” and “non priority payments”. Our Information Pack can help you prioritise your debts – contact us on 01773 573100 for details ·
- Claim what you are entitled to - £9.9bn worth of tax credits and other means tested benefits went unclaimed last year ·
- When you go shopping, make a list and stick to it. Don’t be tempted by offers on items you do not need ·
- Pay in cash rather than with a debit card so that once the money has gone you know you have to stop spending.
Useful websites:
www.entitledto.co.uk - This site has a calculator to tell you if there are any benefits you may be entitled to.
www.mysupermarket.co.uk– This site allows you to shop like you would from any online supermarket but it then calculates whether you would be better off buying the goods from Tesco, Asda, Waitrose or Sainsburys based on the items you’ve chosen.
www.ambervalley.gov.uk – This site has a calculator to tell you if you may be entitled to Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit
