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Free advice and support

Almond Housing Association has recently started working in partnership with the Community Help and Advice Initiative (CHAI), a charity providing advice services. CHAI are providing two services for tenants – a benefits and money advice service and a housing support service.

CHAI Shannon and Kerrie

Our benefits and money advice worker can:

  • Carry out an income maximisation check to ensure you are in receipt of your full benefit entitlement
  • Assist with making benefit claims and completion of application forms
  • Help you with any benefit related issues
  • Assist with appealing decisions and representation at tribunals
  • Advise on debt related matters
  • Negotiate with creditors on your behalf

Our housing support workers can:

  • Help you to develop independent living skills to remain in your home
  • Assist in dealing with correspondence and completing forms
  • Make and accompany you to appointments
  • Help you to access any other services you might need
  • Access education, training and employment opportunities suitable for you

The workers can arrange an appointment to see you at the Almond office or at a home visit if this is more suitable. If you would like a referral, please contact the office on 01506 439291.

Alternatively your Housing Officer can make a referral on your behalf. If you would prefer to contact CHAI directly, you can email your enquiry to almondhareferrals@chaiedinburgh.org.uk

Case Study

Ms M is a 50 year old single woman who lives alone in a Housing Association tenancy. She was referred to CHAI by her Housing Officer for assistance to complete an ESA50 medical questionnaire in support of her claim for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). She suffered a spinal injury and has been off work as a result and her 28 week period of Statutory Sick Pay entitlement has ended which prompted a claim for ESA.

The tenant was assisted to claim ESA and after discussion with the adviser it was established that she should apply for Personal Independence Payments. The tenant was assisted to claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The tenant is functionally illiterate and not able to manage her affairs effectively. The adviser referred the tenant for Housing Support and was allocated a support worker from CHAI who assisted the client to attend her PIP assessment and gather relevant supporting information for her claim from her GP.

The clients PIP application was successful and she was awarded the enhanced rate of both Mobility and Daily Living components. This award also lead to the addition of a severe disability premium for ESA. Her ESA was assessed and she was placed in the Support Group.

The client presented with an income of £73.10 per week ESA at the assessment rate. As a result of our input she now has an ESA entitlement of £186.90 per week and PIP entitlement of £139.75 per week and receives full help with rent and Council Tax. She continues to receive Housing Support to assist her to manage her own affairs and maintain her tenancy.

The workers can arrange an appointment to see you at the Almond office or at a home visit if this is more suitable. If you would like a referral, please contact the office on 01506 439291.

Alternatively your Housing Officer can make a referral on your behalf. If you would prefer to contact CHAI directly, you can email your enquiry to almondhareferrals@chaiedinburgh.org.uk