Money Matters - Lightening the Load
The Money Matters team at Incommunities offer you free, confidential support with your money. We understand that managing your budget can be challenging at times and it can be hard to know where to turn. You may find the answer here; if not, let one of our friendly team know by completing the self-referral form and we will see how we can help
If you are worried about your money, our Money Matters team is here to help. Call on 0330 175 9540 or email moneymatters@incommunities.co.uk
Meet the Money Matters Team
Our friendly team from left to right, Jonathan, Shelley, Diane, Gena, Sara, Paul.
Cost of Living Crisis - lightening the load
Everything has gone up - we'd like to help lighten the load
Find out what support Money Matters can offer you in response to the cost of living crisis.
Support with energy
We may be able to top up your energy meters if you are experiencing financial hardship. Contact the team to find out more.
Help with shopping
We never want you to choose between paying your rent or eating. If you are finding it difficult to pay for shopping due to financial hardship, contact the team to find out more.
Keeping warm
Sometimes, we just need a little extra warmth in our homes. If you are finding it difficult to keep warm this winter, we may be able to provide you with new duvets and blankets to help. We can also assist with the purchase of winter boots, coats, hats and scarves.
Managing your money
Find out about how you can manage your money.
Bank Accounts
Having access to a bank account is important. The Money Advice Service website have lots of useful links to help you find a suitable bank account: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/banking/basic-bank-accounts?source=mas#
Savings Accounts
Sometimes, it feels Impossible to save money. Bradford Credit Union have several schemes that may help you save just a small amount per month.
If you don’t have any photo ID, Bradford Credit Union will accept a recent benefit statement and a copy of your Incommunities rent agreement as ID. Incommunities can provide you with a copy of your rent agreement.
Bradford Credit Union schemes:
Savings: Save from a minimum of £1 per week. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.bdcu.co.uk/Savings
Budget Planner
Having a budget planner can be really useful. It can help you plan not only your monthly income but also help factor in extras such as school uniforms, birthdays or Christmas: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner
Help with debts
Dealing with debts can be very stressful and you may feel alone and overwhelmed with this. There are organisations that can help you and support you.
Get professional help and advice for your debts
There are several potential options that may be available to you, depending on your situation:
Debt Relief Order
Debt Management Plan
IVA
Breathing Space
As a starting point, the following organisations can advise you on the best action to help alleviate the stress and worry. If you would prefer support with this, please contact our Money Matters team who will be happy to support.
Stepchange: www.stepchange.org/start, or call them on 0113 138 1111 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm.
PayPlan: www.payplan.com/, or call them on 0800 280 2816 Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 3pm
Citizen’s Advice offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. To find your local Citizens Advice please go their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Energy
If you are struggling to manage your utility bills, you may some useful information here.
Winter Fuel Payments
If you are of pension age, you may be entitled to between £250 & £600 to help with heating costs over winter. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Warm Home Discount
In November 2022, the Warm Home Scheme will reopen. This could entitle you to £140 off your electric bill if you are in receipt of the Guaranteed Credit Element of Pension Credit or are on a low-income. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Cold Weather Payment
If you are on certain benefits, you may be entitled to the Cold weather Payment if the temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius over 7 consecutive days. You could receive £25 for each 7 day period. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Registering with your energy supplier
It is important that you register with your energy supplier.
You can register online for accounts or by calling the supplier directly and providing the meter readings taken on sign-up.
You can compare your supplier on the following websites
https://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/
https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/
Help with rent arrears, bedroom tax or moving costs
Bradford Council can assist with additional payments to housing costs. You may be able to get assistance with: bedroom tax; rent arrears; rent deposit or rent in advance.
Discretionary Housing Payment
Follow this link to find out more, or to apply: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/benefits/applying-for-benefits/discretionary-housing-payments/
The Money Matters team can help you apply should you need this.
Benefits
If you are currently in receipt of a Welfare Benefit that isn’t Universal Credit, you may not know that the DWP will transfer everyone across to Universal Credit between November 2022 and late 2026.
If you would like any advice about this, or would like support moving over to Universal Credit, Money Matters can help you with this.
Find out more about applying for Universal Credit, State Pension, Pension Credit and PIP.
Benefits Calculator
Use this helpful calculator to see if you could maximise your income: https://www.entitledto.co.uk/
Universal Credit
Money Matters can help you apply for Universal Credit. If you would like to apply yourself, follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
If you are unable to apply online for Universal credit, the Citizens Advice Bureau can assist you with making a telephone claim: call 0800 144 8 444 for support with this.
State Pension
Did you know that you will not automatically get your State Pension, you have to apply for it? You should receive a letter 2 months before you reach State Pension age telling you what to do.
If you have not received a letter, you must contact the Pension Service as soon as possible on 0800 731 7898, or visit them at https://www.gov.uk/get-state-pension
Pension Credit
If your weekly income is £201.05 if you’re single, or £306.85 if you have a partner, you may be eligible for Pension Credit.
If you need any help with State Pension or Pension Credit, the Money Matters team can support you with this.
PIP
Personal Independence Payment (PI) can help with extra income to support you if you have a long-term mental or physical illness. To apply, you need to call: 0800 917 2222 for an application form.
If you need help with this. Money Matters can signpost you to a local service that will assist with the PIP application.
Child Benefit
You can claim child benefit as soon as you have registered the birth of your child, or as soon as they come to officially live with you. To apply, follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim or call: 0300 200 3100
Registering with Council tax & Support available
Did you know that you can get certain deductions on your council tax bill and in some cases, you can receive a 100% reduction depending on your circumstances.
It is vital that you register and pay your council tax. Failure to do so could result in a prison sentence.
Council Tax Reduction & Exemptions
If you need any support with your council tax reduction application, please contact the Money Matters team or follow this link for more information: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/council-tax/apply-for-discounts-reductions-and-exemptions/information-about-council-tax-discounts-reductions-and-exemptions/
Eligibility criteria
You may find the links below useful if you are looking to see if you are eligible for a reduction.
Yorkshire Water
It is vital that you register with Yorkshire Water promptly to avoid going into debt.
You can register online or via their contact number. https://www.yorkshirewater.com/bill-account/moving/ 0345 124 2424
Yorkshire Water also has support schemes available to customers who are eligible.
https://www.yorkshirewater.com/bill-account/help-paying-your-bill/
Furniture
We understand that furnishing your home can be tough and support is available. You may find some useful links below in helping you furnish your home.
The assisted purchase scheme with Bradford Council
https://www.bradford.gov.uk/benefits/applying-for-benefits/assisted-purchase-scheme/
Helping Hands Bradford
https://www.facebook.com/groups/754349571941309/
Freecycle
https://www.freecycle.org/
Gumtree
https://www.gumtree.com/
Facebook Marketplace
Charity shops such as Sue Ryder, CHAS @ St Vincents.
Keighley Furniture Project
https://keighleyfurnitureproject.co.uk/
Change of address
If you have recently moved home then we recommend that you notify change your address to the following providers:
Your old energy supplier and providing up-to-date meter readings.
Doctors Surgery
Benefits office
Bank
DVLA (if applicable)
Car Insurance (if applicable)
Yorkshire Water
Council Tax (to be notified of the date you vacated your previous property)
Schools (if applicable)
Healthy Start Vouchers
Did you know that you can get help with the cost of baby milk, infant milk, fruits and vegetables?
Healthy Start Vouchers
If you are on certain benefits and are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have t least one child under the age of 4, you may be entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers. To find out more, click here: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
Money Matters Referral Form
Are you struggling with your rent, debts or being able to pay your bills, or are you experiencing financial hardship? We can provide advice and support with:
- Welfare benefits
- Income maximisation
- Budgeting
- Utilities
- Debt management
We are here to provide help and support you during difficult times. However, If we can not help then we will try and find someone that can.
Please complete the referral form below and an officer from the Money Matters Team will be in touch:
Support Directory
Other services that also may be able to help you;
First Response (Bradford Mental Health) bdct.nhs.uk/services
Government Services www.gov.uk
Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert
Money Matters Referral Form - Professionals
If you work in a partnership organisation and know of an Incommunities customer who is struggling with their rent, debts or being unable to pay their bills, or is experiencing financial hardship, then we can help.
We can provide them with advice and support on:
- Welfare benefits
- Income maximisation
- Budgeting
- Utilities
- Debt management
We are here to provide help and support to them during difficult times. However, If we can not help then we will try and find someone that can.
Please complete the referral form below and a member of the Money Matters Team will arrange to contact them:
Support Directory
Other services that may be able to help also include;
First Response (Bradford Mental Health) bdct.nhs.uk/services
Government Services www.gov.uk
Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert