Housing association prepares tenants for change to benefits
- 09 Oct
A housing association in Wales is taking action to prepare its tenants for the introduction of universal credit.
Rhondda Cynon Taff Homes, which says UC represents the "greatest change to benefits in a generation", will see the new system rolled out in its area next February, reports 24dash.
They believe that universal credit could affect almost 6,000 of its tenants and up to 50,000 people in the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taff.
In response, RCT Homes launched its '1,2,3...Ready' campaign earlier this year to help tenants prepare for UC by (1) opening a bank account to receive UC, (2) getting online to apply for it and (3) getting budgeting help for single monthly payments.
Richard Haddock, income maximisation officer at RCT Homes, provides debt management advice and an advocacy service to tenants. He said: "The key message is that UC is coming after Christmas. No-one wants to get left behind so by following the three steps people can put themselves in the strongest position to deal with the changes. We know that many of our tenants will face a real challenge when UC comes in, especially during the first five weeks without payment, and we want them to know about the services and support available to them."
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.freeimages.com/photo/1094183
Related articles
How to fund Housing Support and Social Care Services "Alot of information in a short time, good for me because I travelled a long way. So I feel the journey was worthwhile." C.T - People First Dorset