POSTED: 20/07/2023
Times continue to be hard for many of our customers due to the cost of living crisis. We want to make sure that we provide our customers with as much support as possible to ensure that they are able to live their lives and sustain their tenancies. Below you can find support information on the Universal Credit Managed Migration, Energy Advice and Loan Sharks.
Universal Credit Managed Migration
If you are a customer receiving Tax Credits (Working and/or Child Tax Credit) only (and not receiving either ESA(IR), Income Support, JSA(IB), or Housing Benefit) you will be affected by the continued roll out of Universal Credit. HMRC are closing Tax Credits so eventually you will not be able to receive the Tax Credit support in this way. Instead, you will receive it through a Universal Credit claim. You do not need to do anything until you receive a Migration Notice or have a change in your circumstances.
If you receive a Migration Notice, it’s important to seek advice from a Benefits Adviser so that you can get advice and be prepared to make a successful claim for Universal Credit. Your Migration Notice will include a ‘deadline day’ and you will have 3 months to take the right steps to claim Universal Credit.
Addition: If you would have questions about Universal Credit, you can email the Money Advice team at Great Places Housing Group: moneymatters@greatplaces.org.uk.
Energy Advice
If you are struggling with high energy bills it is worth finding ways to reduce your energy consumption. There are some simple actions that you can take to reduce your bills. Have you considered any of the following?
To find out more about these steps why not visit Ofgem’s website:
Loan Sharks
If you are considering borrowing money it is vital to check the lender out first. Anyone lending money must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
If a lender isn’t authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, don’t borrow money from them.
Lenders who aren’t authorised by the FCA are known as loan sharks. Loan sharks charge very high interest rates and operate illegally, often threatening and intimidating their clients when any repayments are missed. You can report a Loan Shark by calling 0300 555 2222 or on the Stop Loan Sharks website.
There are alternative options if you need to borrow money. One alternative is a Credit Union. Credit Unions are not-for-profit, member-owned, community savings and loans providers. You can find your nearest Credit Union at:
