Help with Universal Credit

Angela Havens presents a Universal Credit workshop to RBH employees

Residents are being urged to get in touch with RBH if they need help in adjusting to Universal Credit (UC) as it is rolled out across the borough.

UC has already been introduced in Rochdale for new claims and incorporates six of the main benefits for people of working age including Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit.

This means that that housing benefit will now be paid to the tenant as part of their Universal Credit payment rather than their landlord.

The new benefit is also paid monthly so it’s important that people plan their budgets accordingly to avoid getting into debt.

As part of its commitment to helping, the mutual housing society has held workshops for more than 600 employees to enable them to provide advice and guidance.

Angela Havens, RBH Head of Income and Support, said: “As a mutual society we want to help people stay in their homes as this is the best way of building strong communities.

“It’s essential that tenants pay their rent as soon as they receive their Universal Credit.

“By doing so they will ensure that they keep a roof over their head and provide us with the funds to keep investing in our neighbourhoods.

“The best way to make sure you pay your rent on time is by Direct Debit and we have set up a simple process for people to do this.”

For advice on Universal Credit:

Email: rbh@rbh.org.uk
Call :0800 027 7769 or 01706 274100 (this may be cheaper from mobiles)