Cymraeg
Financial Advice and Support
We are committed to providing you with as much assistance and advice as necessary to help you manage your tenancy through this difficult time.
Nobody will lose their home as a result of issues associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you have any concerns about paying your rent, please call us on 0800 085 7843
Useful Advice
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, please use your UC journal to report any changes to the DWP
For anyone who has had a change in their circumstances, we have put together some basic information that may help you here
New to claiming UC?
If you are new to Universal Credit (UC) here are some of the Hints and Tips shared by our income team to help you;
Keep your username and password details safe.
Check your journal regularly.
Report all change in your circumstances without delay, including rent changes.
Use your journal to talk to universal credit.
Familiarise yourself with your assessment period and payment date.
Plan a monthly budget.
Set up a Direct Debit for your rent.
If you are starting a claim, please see the link below for more information to guide you through the process
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/…/making-a…/
We also have some more information around UC on our website here http://www.mvhomes.org.uk/universal-credit/
As always Merthyr Valleys Homes are here to help. If you have any questions around your changes in circumstances please call our Income Team on 0800 085 7843
Understanding your journal
Budgeting your money for the month can be hard if you have always been paid weekly or fortnightly, making small changes around the home can save you both energy and money over the year.
Here are just a few ways you could save money on your energy bills
- Turn off your standby appliances at the socket when not using them – this can save an average of £30 a year
- Turning your heating down by just one degree can save up to £80 a year
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature
- Reduce your shower time by one minute
- Air dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dyer, particularly when its warm and windy
- Turn lights off when you leave a room
- Invest in energy saving lightbulbs
Regular checklist
To make sure your payments aren’t affected, regularly log in to your online journal to :
>> Check if there are any actions in your “to do list” which need completing
>> Check if you have any messages on your journal either from Universal Credit or your work coach
>> Report any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible, including changes to your rent or employment
Remember:
>> View your statement each month to ensure your payment and any earnings reported by your employer are correct.
>> You can use your journal to send a message to Universal Credit
>> If possible, budget your money for the month
If you need any help or support with managing your Universal Credit we can help. Contact us today on 0800 085 7843 and speak to our Universal Credit Coach.
Budgeting tips UC
Budgeting tips for Universal Credit –
Budgeting your money for the month can be hard if you have always been paid weekly or fortnightly, making small changes around the home can save you both energy and money over the year.
Here are just a few ways you could save money on your energy bills
- Turn off your standby appliances at the socket when not using them – this can save an average of £30 a year
- Turning your heating down by just one degree can save up to £80 a year
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature
- Reduce your shower time by one minute
- Air dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dyer, particularly when its warm and windy
- Turn lights off when you leave a room
- Invest in energy saving lightbulbs
More budgeting tips
List all your income and outgoings: Keep track of what you have coming in and what you need to spend on bills and essentials throughout the month. You can use Money Advice Service’s planner here https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/…/tools/budget-planner
Pay your rent: Make sure to keep your Housing Costs separate from your everyday spending and set up a direct debit to pay your rent
Budget your income for the month – if you are used to being paid weekly or fortnightly, you will need to start managing your money across the whole month. If you are struggling you can ask Universal Credit for frequent payments
Shop around for better deals – with essential bills like your gas, electricity or phone you could save money by asking your current provider about a cheaper tariff or use a price comparison site to find a cheaper deal which best suits you
Think before you borrow – if you are tempted to borrow, think carefully about how you will keep up with repayments
Prioritise your debts and seek debt advice if you are struggling to manage repayments
Information for the Employed
(Statutory Sick Pay, Proof of Sickness, ESA new style/contributions, Furloughed Workers, Universal Credit)
Budget planner
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner/budget/edit/income
Council Tax Reduction
https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
Universal Credit
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
General information – including mortgage/rent, energy, benefits, cancelled events, supermarkets, subscriptions etc.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/
If you cannot find the information you require, please contact us for support and advice on 0800 085 7843 – we are here to help