Changes to Income
We understand any changes to income can be worrying so the following websites provide more information on help available: 

You may be entitled to claim Universal Credit which includes support for housing costs, if eligible. The following website provides further information on applying for Universal Credit https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

If you are getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but still can't afford to pay your housing costs, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).  Further information on DHPs and how to apply is available at https://www.mygov.scot/discretionary-housing-payment/

You may be able to get support with emergency living costs through the Scottish Welfare Fund.  Further information on how to apply is available at https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund/crisis-grants/

Entitled To online benefit calculator: https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

 


Universal Credit Freephone: 0800 328 5644

Welfare Benefits have now changed to a new kind of online benefit system known as Universal Credit (UC).

Introduced by the UK Government, Universal Credit is a single monthly benefit that replaces working age benefits (such as income based job seekers allowance, tax credits, income support, incapacity benefit and housing benefit). 

Anyone making a new benefit claim or updating a current claim in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray will now be moved onto Universal Credit.

As tenants of Grampian Housing Association you could be affected.  We are here to help you so if you would like more information or have any questions please contact us now on 01224 202900 or email info@grampianhousing.co.uk.

You may find this short Youtube clip helpful in explaining the step-by-step guide to the process:

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There are important differences to Universal Credit you need to know about

  • it can take five weeks from when you first make a claim until you get your first payment;
  • you will get an online journal which you will use to keep the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) updated on your circumstances;
  • payments will be made once a month, on the same date every month;
  • the money is paid directly to your bank account and will include your housing costs (rent);
  • we won’t receive your rent payment directly so it’s up to you to pay your rent every month;
  • you will be asked to sign a claimant commitment. If you don’t follow this, you can be sanctioned and lose all of your benefits


    Scottish Choices - Pay your housing costs to your landlord direct

The Scotland Act 2016 introduced more flexible ways that tenants in Scotland can receive Universal Credit, known as Scottish Choices. 

You can choose to:

  • be paid Universal Credit twice a month rather than monthly; and
  • have your Universal Credit housing element being paid directly to your landlord to cover your rent.

    These choices will be offered to people making new claims for Universal Credit in full service areas. You'll find this option in your online journal at the start of your second assessment period.
  • The Scottish Government has issued this leaflet about payment options for UC.  It includes information about paying housing costs direct to your landlord.  There is also a Question & Answer leaflet for claimants. 

    Get online

    Claims for Universal Credit are made online through a digital application process. It can be done using a computer, tablet or smartphone and many people will find it straightforward.

    The Local Authorities have produced useful guides on Universal Credit and which include where to get additional help if required and places where you can access the internet for free.

    Free computer access is available for our customers to maintain thier UC journal at our Aberdeen and Elgin offices.

  • City and Shire Guide to Universal Credit 
    Digital Access in Aberdeen

    Moray Council's Gudie to Universal Credit

 

  DWP (Department for Work & Pensions) Guidance for Claimants

 
You may find the following website and guidance from the DWP useful if you are or will be claiming Universal Credit:

  Understanding Universal Credit - DWP website to support people with Universal Credit

  Universal Credit and You - user friendly introduction to Universal Credit for Claimants.

  Introduction to UC - basic information about UC and how it works, including how to make an online claim and what claimants need to do in return.

  Getting ready for Universal Credit - step by step guide.

  Universal Credit claimants can get help to make a claim and manage their payments of Universal Credit. This help is called Universal Support. 

  Click here to read the new Guidance issued by the DWP. 

  Click here to read the latest Universal Credit Claimant Housing Guide.  It's interactive and very informative. 

This short video gives you more information about Universal Credit in action.

 

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Tenant Welcome & Information Pack

Tenant Welcome & Information Pack

Did you know?

    • The Association needs you! Count me in, our customer panel is looking for new members to participate in postal surveys about our services and policies.  This is your chance to provide feedback and shape services for current and future customers. To join complete the Count me in application form or to find out more contact Katie Taylor on 01224 202947 or email getinvolved@grampianhousing.co.uk

    • Many tenants think that the Association insures their belongings but this is not the case. However we promote Thistle Tenant Risks Contents Insurance. So, for an easy and affordable way of insuring your household goods contact Thistle Tenant Risks now on 0345 450 7286 or email Customerrelations@thistleinsurance.co.uk or visit www.thistletenants-scotland.co.uk

  • Our responsive repair contractors are:
    • 1call Property Maintenance (Aberdeenshire)
    • Heatcare (Aberdeen City & Moray)
  • From 22 March 2021 Grampian launched These Homes, a new online digital lettings system to allocate and re-let our properties.  To register go to www.thesehomes.com or call 01224 202900.  For more information on the launch click here.

  •     

Did you know?

    • The Association needs you! Champion Grampian, our tenant led scrutiny panel, is looking for members to inspect and review services we deliver to customers. This is your chance to get behind the scenes of the Association, see how we work and influence our decisions. To find out more contact Katie Taylor on 01224 202947 or email getinvolved@grampianhousing.co.uk  

 

  • Many tenants think that the Association insures their belongings but this is not the case. However we promote Thistle Tenant Risks Contents Insurance. So, for an easy and affordable way of insuring your household goods contact Thistle Tenant Risks on 0345 450 7286 or email Customerrelations@thistleinsurance.co.uk or visit www.thistletenants-scotland.co.uk

  • Our responsive repair contractors are:
    1call Property Maintenance (Aberdeenshire)
    Heatcare (Aberdeen City & Moray)

  • From 22 March 2021 Grampian launched These Homes, a new online digital lettings system to allocate and re-let our properties.  To register go to www.thesehomes.com or cal 0300123 9279.  For more information on the launch click here.

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