Problems with Debt
Many people have bigger debt problems than just rent arrears. The best way to deal with the problem of multiple debt is to face it head on as the longer you leave it, the worse the debt can get.
If your outgoings are bigger than your income, you will get into difficulties with keeping up to date with your bills. If this is the case, you may need outside help and advice. Some details of advice services are given below. They can give advice as well as practical help in renegotiating debt and maximising your income by claiming more benefits. The full contact details are in section 8 of the handbook.
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Financial Fitness are a charitable company (established in 1999) providing free, independent, confidential welfare benefit information and financial support services to the residents of Inverclyde. Financial Fitness Team provide services from Oak Tree Housing Associations' offices as well as their own premises. You can also visit their website for more information about the services they provide.
Independent advice on all welfare and local authority benefits including benefit checks, form filling and advocacy can be provided by Advice First. This is an Inverclyde Council service Their advisers can spot any unclaimed benefits and help people to claim a wide range of means tested and non-means tested benefits, whilst also helping clients who are having difficulties with benefit problems. Telephone 01475 715 299 or call into Hector McNeil House, Clyde Square, Greenock
Financial advice and support to help people make the transition from benefits into employment, accessing in-work and return-to-work benefits where applicable. Clients can also find out more about other services which can help them back into employment
Money Advice Service (over 50’s only) - confidential advice for older clients to help them manage their money more effectively, manage their debts, prepare for their retirement and cope with major life changing events in later life. This service is designed to help older people take control of their finances.
For more information on these services contact the Financial Fitness team on 01475 729 239 or speak to a member of the Housing Services team
Tail O’The Bank Credit Union, based at 14 Kilblain Street is the third biggest community based Credit Union in Scotland, with almost 3,000 members and over £900,000 worth of assets.
OTHA think joining this credit union makes such good sense, that we offer to pay your joining fee.
To apply for membership, either call into the Credit Union’s office or telephone 734655 for more information.
Inverclyde Advice First can be contacted on 01475 715299. It is a telephone service that can help with:-
- Advice on sanctions/benefit changes
- Benefit entitlement check/better off calculation
- Scheduling face-to-face appointments with Advice Worker
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) can offer help and advice on dealing with debt. contact them on 0800 328 0006 or at www.capdebthelp.org