A staggering £2m of extra income has been secured for residents by Platform’s Successful Tenancies team of expert advisers, who help customers maintain their tenancy, maximise income and where possible, reduce spending.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and rise in the price of everyday essentials, saw the team receive 6,317 referrals in 2022-23, a 16% increase compared to the previous year, which resulted in over £2m being secured for customers, who were really struggling.
One of those customers was Sharon, who was finding it really difficult to manage. She was in part-time work and a lone parent to a child with behavioural issues. A benefit check showed that Sharon was not claiming a number of benefits she was entitled to, including Universal Credit, Council Tax Support and Disability Living Allowance for her child, so a plan of action was put into place straight away.
This resulted in Sharon securing extra monthly income, enabling her to sustain her tenancy and enjoy a better quality of life with her daughter.
Sharon said: “I’m so grateful for the support I received from Platform and can’t believe the difference it’s made to me and my daughter.”
Platform’s Successful Tenancies team receive thousands of referrals every year for their free and impartial service, which is often a vital lifeline for their customers.
Michael Bruce, Director of Platform Hub and Income Management said: “Like the majority of support services across the country, Platform continues to see an increase in customers needing our help due to the cost of living and we’re committed to supporting them through these difficult times.
“Every year billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed by those who need them the most, with our team often finding that customers are initially afraid to ask for help as they are concerned that it will affect their tenancy, which is quite the opposite. We’re here to ensure that our customers can get the support they need and to help them claim the benefits they’re entitled to, so they can sleep a little easier at night.”
If you are a Platform customer and think their Successful Tenancies Team could help you, please visit Platform’s website www.platformhg.com/money-benefits-advice-job-support to find out more and complete their online self-referral form so that their advisers can get in touch.
Header image: Successful Tenancies Advisor, Gary Jones, who providers support to Platform’s customers.
