‘Get in touch. We’re here to help you’

WHEATLEY helped tenants claw back a massive £20 million in benefits last year – and is urging those who need help to get in touch.

Advisors from Scotland’s leading housing, care and property management group helped more than 7300 tenants claim the £20m in benefits they were entitled to last year.

Wheatley is now urging tenants who need support with their benefits claims – even if they are unsure if they are entitled, or if they have savings or are already earning – to get in touch.

It is estimated a staggering £23billion of welfare benefits go unclaimed every year across the UK.

Tenant Liz Kerr, 67, from Knightswood, recently retired and didn’t know where to turn because she’d never claimed benefits before – and was full of praise for the support she received from Wheatley.

Liz said: “My advisor David was absolutely brilliant. He dealt with the DWP, helped me fill in forms and sorted various benefits for me, including council tax and the winter fuel allowance.

“The complexity of the benefits system holds people back. I was getting myself into a panic, but David really took the pressure off me. It was a real weight off my shoulders and I’m better off financially.

“I don’t know what I would have done without his help. Anyone who is worried should talk to their housing officer. The help is out there.”

John Kincaid and Joanna Martin (pictured), both part of Wheatley’s financial wellbeing team, urged tenants who are worried about their benefits to get in touch.

John Kincaid, who also spent 13 years as a housing officer in Glasgow, said: “We are always here to support tenants. The benefits system can be complex and intimidating and people don’t always know what they are due.

“I’d urge any tenant to contact us so we can do a benefits check. You might be better off financially. Come and talk to us. We can help.”

Joanna Martin, who has been a benefits advisor for two decades, added: “We understand the economic difficulties many of our customers face. Our support can make a big difference. People might not know where to turn for help.

“I’d advise any Wheatley tenant to pick up the phone and get in touch. Even if you have savings or a steady income, even if you are in arrears, get in touch. We are here to help you.”

Wheatley Foundation has a wide range of services to tackle social exclusion and alleviate the impacts of poverty, including welfare benefits advice, support to improve financial stability, help to get into work and training, education bursaries, and more.

The Foundation – which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year – also works with partners to help tenants access healthy, low-cost food at larders and pantries at Sandyhills, Drumchapel and Kennishead in Glasgow, and at a new community shop in Knightswood.

Any Wheatley tenant who needs a bit of support should talk to their housing officer.