Welfare Advice Service
The History
Since mid-August 2018 the Association has been offering our tenants access to a Money Advisor from Drumchapel Money Advice Centre. This was only for a 3-month trial period and was therefore due to end in November.
However, the Association recognises that this is a valuable service and will be increasingly important to our tenants, especially with the full Universal Credit service now in our areas. The Management
Committee have therefore agreed to pay for the service to be provided for the next 12 months, after which it will be reviewed.
The service offers free, confidential advice and assistance on a range of issues including;
Welfare Benefits entitlement
Completing application forms
Appealing against benefit decisions
Housing & Council Tax Benefit
Working Tax Credits & Family Tax Credits
Financial Inclusion Issues
Debt Counselling
Rent arrears
Benefit Overpayments
Who, where and when
The Advisor can also offer advice and assistance in preparing an appeals case and will accompany and support you at a Benefits Tribunal. If you need more specialist advice and assistance, the advisor will make a referral to other agencies on your behalf.
We have been very fortunate to have Mathew Horsely providing the advice service to our tenants. Matthew will be in the Association’s office at 31 Ashley Street every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm but will also meet you in your own home of that is more convenient for you.
How to access the service
If you want to speak to Matthew about any concerns or problems you are having with applying for benefits, making an appeal against a decision on your benefits claim or what benefits you would be entitled to, ask your Housing Officer to make a referral.
The service is only available for tenants of Charing Cross Housing Association and all referrals must be through the office.
Please contact a member of the Housing Management Team on 0141-333-0404 or alternatively call into the office and we will be more than happy to make a referral on your behalf.