Money, Budgeting and Benefits Advice

Here to Help

Platform Housing Group has its own Team dedicated to helping you pay your rent.

We can do a full benefit check to see if your income can be increased and run through a budget with you to look at reducing your outgoings. The Team also have localised knowledge about grants and schemes available to you.

If you have any questions or want to discuss anything in more detail:

Call:
0333 200 7304
and ask for the Welfare Reform and Tenancy Sustainment Team.

E-Mail:
welfarereform@platformhg.com
(be sure to include your full name and address)

Self-Service Benefit and Budgeting Calculator

Helping Yourself

Look at your income and expenditure by using our self-service benefit and budget calculator at the top of this page. You will also be able to forward this to the Team to ask for further advice/assistance

Information regarding the different benefits available can be found on the government's website.

Many people are claiming Universal Credit. Remember, it is important that you check your account regularly and keep your journal up to date with any changes in your circumstances

A lot of people have been impacted by Covid-19 – more information and advice is available on our website here and on the government's website.

Council Tax

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Council Tax Support or Reduction for help paying your bill.

If you are in receipt of UC you will need to make a separate claim to your Local authority: https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

If you live on your own or with children under 18, be sure to claim a Sole Occupier discount to get 25% off your bill. There are a number of other exemptions/discounts available. In the first instance contact your Local Authority; contact our Team if you need further information.

Utility Bills

Saving money on your gas and electric bills is a good way to maximise your income.

There are lots of price comparison sites available but please ask the Team if you need assistance with swapping your supplier. If you know you will be switching, make sure you are aware of any exit fees that may be charged. There are tariffs available that do not have any exit fees.

If you need to find out who your supplier is try Find My Supplier or Western Power.
You may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount depending on your circumstances and supplier, find out more here.
Your water supplier may also offer discounts.
If you are worried about managing your bills over the winter months have a look at the Winter Ready section of our website.

Debts

There are a lot of resources available online for debt advice - many of these, are free. But please remember to always check where this advice is coming from, and be sure that there are no hidden costs or contracts.

The Money Advice Service offers a Debt Advice Locator which tells you where you can get free debt advice in your area. This is a really good tool to help you take control of your financial situation and feel less stressed and anxious.

You could also have a look at:

Link to Citizens Advice Contact Us Page logo

Link to Understanding Universal Credit GOV.UK website

Each of the logos below links to an organisation that can provide advice or guidance

Link to Turn2Us logo

If you need information on this website in a different format such as accessible PDF, large print, Easy Read, audio recording or braille, please contact diversity@platformhg.com.