Money matters — your stories
It can be challenging to manage money when the unexpected happens, whether this be due to the cost of living, loss of work, someone passing away or if your health declines. But you aren’t alone. Our Income Team is here to help.
Here we talk about some of the people they have helped recently.
Employer withholding wages
We recently helped a resident who went into significant rent arrears and doesn’t receive benefits to pay his rent. He can’t read or write, is a hard worker and usually pays his rent on time. When we contacted him, we found out that his employer had not paid him for several weeks as they were waiting for confirmation of his right to work in the UK.
Bereavement
One of our elderly residents sadly and suddenly lost her husband.
They were a very ‘traditional couple’ in that he had always managed the household finances while she had managed the home. When he passed, she was unsure how to pay her rent, claim benefits or sort out the bills.
She was also receiving bundles of letters following her husband’s death from various insurance policies, credit card companies and so on. Jane met with this lovely lady in the office on several occasions.
Health concerns
A resident who was recently diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy was unable to work and struggled to cope with the change in circumstances. His Housing Maintenance Officer noted the resident’s difficulties during a routine home visit, especially when dampness and mould were noticed. The resident had not been putting on the heating due to rising energy costs and a change in income.