West Lothian tenants have been helped to claw back a fortune in unclaimed benefits in the past year.
Wheatley Group, Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management group announced the statistics as it launched a new campaign to help customers claim all the welfare benefits and tax credits they’re entitled to.
The new benefits take-up campaign will increase awareness of benefits tenants can apply for and how the group’s advisors can help.
The initial phase of Wheatley’s campaign – for tenants of West Lothian Housing Partnership among others, focuses on the new Scottish Child Disability Benefit and will run until the end of this year.
Olga Clayton, group director of housing and care, said: “The benefits system can be difficult for people to navigate and our advisors are there to help tenants claim all the benefits and tax credits they’re entitled to.
“Welfare benefits are a vital safety net for many people on low incomes. It’s important people don’t miss out.”
Recent changes to Universal Credit, and the end of the furlough scheme in September, means the campaign will target people of working age who may be eligible for Universal Credit.
The wide-ranging campaign will also focus on benefits for people reaching pension age, benefits for parents, illness or disability benefits and bereavement benefits.
Wheatley will be encouraging people in these groups to get in touch to access the support available through articles with advice and information on websites and social media.
There will also be updates for staff so they can help tenants and refer them to Wheatley’s team of 24 welfare benefits advisors.
Wheatley offers a wide range of services for tenants who need extra support, including help to cut fuel bills, help for tenants struggling to put food on the table, who need help furnishing their homes, help into jobs and training and more.
Tenants who want to book an online or telephone appointment with a welfare benefit advisor should speak to their housing officer.
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