Riversmead Housing Association team up with local advice service to offer residents help with benefit changes

Published by SRedford for Network Housing Group Limited in Housing and also in Communities

Riversmead Housing Association, part of Network Group, has teamed up with the East Herts Citizens Advice Service to offer residents help and advice about the upcoming changes the Government is making to the current benefit system in the UK.

From April 2013 benefit payments such as housing benefit, income support and child tax credit will be replaced with an individual Universal Credit Payment. Changes are also being made to housing benefit and the current Disability Living Allowance, which will be replaced with a new Personal Independence payment.

Residents can prepare for these changes by booking an appointment with a CAB adviser to discuss their individual circumstances. 752 residents accessed advice on debt and benefits from East Herts Citizens Advice Service between April 2011 and March 2012.

Linda Brown, Riversmead’s Neighbourhood Services Income Manager said: “It is important residents understand how these changes will affect their circumstances. I strongly advise residents to take up this opportunity by booking an appointment with the CAB to access help and advice and ensure they are better prepared. Riversmead’s Income Recovery team are working hard to support residents through these changes.”

Gail Cambery, EHCAS District Manager said: "We urge residents to make an appointment today to discuss what, when and how changes to benefits will affect them. This is just one of the many issues along with debt, employment, relationships and housing that our advisers are trained to give advice on."

Riversmead and the CAB continue to deliver an outreach advice service for residents at Stanstead Abbotts and Ware on a Monday and Wednesday, respectively where they can discuss debt problems or other queries including benefits, loans and setting up a bank account. Advisers are also available on Wednesday mornings for Riversmead residents at their offices to help them complete housing benefits forms. 

To book an appointment with East Herts Citizens Advice Service call 08444 111 444 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

For more information about benefit changes visit www.direct.gov.uk

www.riversmead.org.uk

Part of Network Housing Group - www.networkhg.org.uk