Help and Advice
KHT have in house welfare benefits advisors, an energy
efficiency advisor and CAB debt advisor who are here to help you
with a range of issues, contact:
• Val and Teresa on 0151 290 7408 for help with welfare
benefits
• Anthony on 0151 290 7014 for help with your energy
bills
• Sophia on 0151 290 7497 for help with your debts
• Darren on 0151 290 7477 for information on credit unions and
contents insurance
How to Claim Housing Benefit
You may be entitled to some help towards your rent. Housing Benefit
is available to those who are eligible and assists with rent and
council tax payments.
For more information on how to claim please click the following
link to Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s
website.
http://www.knowsley.gov.uk/housing
What does it cover?
Housing Benefit can cover rent and service charges which you must
pay as a condition of your tenancy. It does not cover heating and
hot-water charges, water rates, household insurance, repairs we can
charge you for, court costs, Council Tax and Supporting People
charges.
However, if you claim Housing Benefit, you will automatically be
assessed for Council Tax Benefit and a Supporting People
payment.
How much will I get?
The amount of Housing Benefit you will get will
depend on the amount of rent you are charged, your personal and
family circumstances, any other people living with you, and your
household’s income and savings.
Our staff can give you an idea of how much you might be entitled
to, or, use the on line Benefits Calculator - http://webbencalc.k-h-t.org/index.htm -
there is also a link at the bottom of this page.
How will it be paid?
Housing Benefit is paid straight into rent accounts, reducing the
weekly amount you need to pay.
The council’s Housing and Council Tax Benefit Division will
write to you about your entitlement and tell you how much you need
to pay to cover your weekly rent. If you have rent arrears, contact
your housing office to arrange to pay.
Council Tax Benefit will be paid straight to the council’s
Local Taxes Division to reduce your Council Tax bill.
How do I claim?
You can:
• phone KMBC on 0151 443 4042 to request an application
form;
• fill in an application form available from your housing
office or the Civic Centre;
• download a form from our website – see link
below
• write to the below address to register your claim. They will
send you an application form.
Knowsley Borough Council
Municipal Buildings
Cherryfield Drive
Kirky
Merseyside
L32 1TX
How do I ask about my claim?
If you have any enquiries on your Housing Benefit
Claim please phone KMBC on 0151 443 4042.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all information is
provided to Housing Benefits within the deadlines they state.
Always remember to keep your rent officer informed of any ongoing
Housing Benefit issues.
What if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change Housing Benefits need to know as soon
as possible. These changes could include:-
• Changes to your income (wages, benefits, tax credits,
pension or any other income)
• Changes in the amount of savings that you have
• Changes to your household if anyone leaves or joins your
household
• Changes to the income of other people in your
household
• If you move, have to live away from home for any reason,
become a student, go into hospital or prison
This is not a complete list. If you are unsure please contact
Housing Benefits directly on 0151 443 4042 and they will be able to
tell you if your change will affect your Housing Benefit.
Housing Benefits should be informed in writing straight away of any
changes. The easiest way to do this is by completing a change of
circumstances form, which can be obtained directly from
Housing Benefits or any local Housing Office or calling Knowsley
Council on 0151 443 4042 or KHT on 0151 290 7000.
Any delay in telling the Housing and Council Tax Benefit Division
about changes in circumstances may result in you being paid too
much Housing Benefit. If the council pays you too much, you must
pay this back.
Can anyone else help?
YES!!
Welfare Benefits Advisors
Knowsley Housing Trust currently employ 2 welfare benefits advisors
in partnership with Knowsley Borough Council. These advisors assist
with completion of Housing Benefit forms, help customers submit
their claim, assist with backdated housing benefit and other
welfare benefits issues.
For more information on this service please contact Val or
Teresa on 0151 290 7408
Citizens Advice Debt Advisor
Knowsley Housing Trust currently fund a debt advice referral
service with Knowsley Citizens Advice Bureux. They help clients
prioritize debts and act on the customer’s behalf for debt
related issues.
For more information on this service please contact Sophia
on 0151 290 7497
For more information on other local advice agencies please refer to
our Money Matters leaflet below:
Credit Unions
Knowsley Housing Trust has forged links with the Credit Unions to
help residents save and obtain affordable credit. Whether you are
planning to save for a special occasion or a rainy day the Credit
Union can help you. All saving members of the Credit Union (over
the age of 18) are eligible to apply for a loan; loans range from
£50 to £2,000.
The Credit Union can offer a cheaper alternative to borrowing from
doorstep lenders or some high street shops. A comparison is given
below for £250 borrowed over 55 weeks.
Credit Union
Amount Borrowed:
£250
Interest: £17.93
Total Cost: £267.93
Compared to:
Provident
Amount Borrowed: £250
Interest: £162.50
Total Cost:
£412.50
[source
www.providentpersonalfinance.com, accessed 9.09.05]
You can save and make loan repayments in a variety of ways
including:
• Cash or cheque at the Credit Union office
• Standing order
• Payroll deduction - your savings are taken straight from
your wages and passed to the Credit Union on your behalf (option
only available for a selection of organisations)
• Benefit direct (certain benefits can be paid into your
credit union account)
Savings and loans are protected by free insurance (subject to
conditions) and the Credit Union is regulated by the Financial
Services Authority (the same organisation also regulates banks and
building societies).
Local Credit Unions in Knowsley
Credit Unions
Enterprise Credit Union Ltd
Hall Lane,
Huyton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L36 6AX
Tel 0151 482 0177
Contact: Karen Bennett
Email: enterpriseunion@aol.com
Web: www.huytonmabs.co.uk
Halewood Community Credit Union Ltd
Family
Centre, Leathers Lane,
Halewood, Liverpool, L26 0TS
Tel 0151 486 6104
Knowsley Mutual Credit Union Ltd
11 Market
Square, Kirkby, Liverpool, L32 8RG
Tel 0151 545 3380
Contact: Tommy Boynton or Terry Egan,
Email: thomasboynton@btinternet.com
If you require a WORD version of the attached documents please call 0151 290 7405
