A huge thank you to all our tenants, community partners and local school teachers and children for getting involved in Talk Money Week 2020! The week saw us raising awareness of the importance of getting to know your money, and showcasing the support available to tenants. 9 in 10 of us feel uncomfortable talking about money, and we know that many of our tenants are not accessing support because they don’t want to talk about their situation.
We used each day to highlight key issues that affect different groups of our tenants, and we worked with local schools and community partners to share information and knowledge about ways we can help:
Monday
We worked with Norris Green-based Monksdown Primary School to run a session aimed at teaching children the importance of good money management and savings. A huge thank you to all the teachers and children for being such great sports!
Tuesday
We highlighted issues we commonly see our first-time tenants struggling with, as they start becoming financially independent. We promoted information on white goods poverty grants, and local food pantries to encourage people to make smart switches to help them save for other items.
Wednesday
Supporting young families, we promoted information on local support available for families who may be struggling with food, clothing, school uniforms and the cost of raising families.
Thursday
We urged people living in a house that is too big or small for them to get in touch, to register their interest in our house exchange programme. Living in a home that is too big can cost a lot of extra money through extra bills and taxes so downsizing can help to save money.
Friday
Targeting our tenants over the age of 55, we wanted to help as many as possible get in touch to see if they were entitled to any additional benefits. We know many tenants aren’t claiming extra allowances that can give them thousands every year if eligible, and urged them to get in touch for a free welfare benefits check.
A Talk Money Week success story!
Talk Money Week saw us achieve another great result for one of our tenants:
We have helped Mrs X* to be awarded with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enhanced rate of daily living of £89.15 per week AND the enhanced mobility payment of £62.95 per week. Due to her award of PIP she is now also entitled to an extra £66.95 per week in her employment support allowance AND she is allowed an extra bedroom for an overnight carer, adding £11.64 week.
This means getting in touch with our Welfare Benefits team has given Mrs X a weekly increase in benefits of £229.99 per week, or an annual increase in benefits of £11,954.28!
*tenant did not want to be named but was happy for us to share her story
If you are struggling, we are here to help – our Welfare Benefits team can carry out a free benefits check to ensure you are receiving everything you are entitled to and are maximising your income. It could be a life-changer!
Call our team on 0330 303 2222 to see how we can help you today.