As your landlord we’re committed to providing you with a safe and healthy home, so please contact us if you need our help and support.
We know the high cost of living is a concern, particularly as we head into winter. If you’re struggling, please reach out to us so we can see how we can help.
Check if you’re entitled to Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a weekly benefit that tops up your pension. Many people presume they won’t be eligible but are actually entitled to it, so it’s important to check. The great thing about Pension Credit is that even if you are only eligible for a small top up, by claiming it you unlock lots of other support like free NHS dental treatment, help towards buying glasses, and a free TV licence. Call the Pension Credit Claim line on 0800 99 1234 to see if you’re eligible and make a claim or use the Pension Credit Calculator. You could ask a trusted relative or friend for help with this.
Help with energy bills and utilities
If you are struggling to keep your home warm, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. They can provide financial support and review your payments, offer payment breaks or reductions.
You chould be eligible for the Warm Homes Discount – a one-off £150 discount from the Government to help people living on a low income or pension over the winter months. This should be taken off your electricity bill automatically between October 2023 and March 2024.
Free mobile data, texts and calls for up to 12 months
We are working with the National Databank and can provide customers with free mobile data, texts and calls for up to 12 months. To access this support you must be 18 or over, living in a low income household and either: • Have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home. • And/or no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home. • And/or cannot afford your existing monthly contract or top up.
Condensation, damp and mould
All homes are at risk of condensation, particularly in the winter. A small amount of condensation isn’t usually a problem and can be managed, but excess condensation can lead to mould, which can affect your health and your home.
Healthy Homes top tips video
The Energy Saving Trust has created a short video highlighting some of the things you can do to manage condensation and maintain a healthy home – click below to watch it.
Please let us know if you’re experiencing any of these issues so we can help.
You can also visit the damp and condensation page on our website for further information and advice.
Use your extractor fans
Using extractor fans when cooking or bathing is the most effective way of removing moisture from the air. These fans are cheap to run. Even when you have them on all the time in the ‘background’ mode, a bathroom fan costs £9.38 a year and a kitchen fan £12.58.
You can see how that compares to other household appliances below.
Condensation is not the only cause of damp and mould. It could be the result of leaks, issues with guttering, cracks in walls, missing fans or rising damp.
If you are affected by any of these problems, please fill out this form or contact us in one of the other ways listed here as soon as possible so we can help.
Energy-saving advice
When every pound counts, the tips below can help minimise your energy bills. • Keep radiators clear and use the radiator valves. • Swap baths for showers. • Close curtains and blinds when it goes dark. • Wear lots of layers – as warm air is trapped between. • Make sure you have a full laundry load and wash at 30 where you can. • Use energy saving light-bulbs. • Switch appliances off standby.
Support with food costs
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Helping Hand web pages has a section on support with food costs – click here to check out what is in your area.
Did you know? If you’re on certain benefits and are pregnant or have a child under four, you’re eligible for a Healthy Start Card. Receive £8.50 a week for children aged 0 to 1 and £4.25 a week for those aged 1 to 4. The card can be spent in some UK stores on fruit, vegetables, formula, and milk, and you also qualify for free vitamins. Cards are topped up every four weeks.
Support in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Helping Hand web pages include details of how to access a wide range of help - from support with energy costs, to help accessing childcare and employment, as well as details of the various hardship funds offered by the different local councils.
Government support
The government’s Help for Households website includes information about the cost-of-living support available, including details of the 2023/24 Cost-of-Living Payments. The second £300 for this year should be paid automatically between 31st October and 19th November 2023 for most people receiving benefits including Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, and between 10th November and 19th November 2023 for those receiving tax credits. Pensioners receiving the Winter Fuel Payment will have their usual payment topped up this year to include the pensioner cost-of-living payment.
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