Welfare rights team generates £1m

Welfare rights advisers at Isos Housing Group have helped their customers claim more than £1m in benefits, only three and a half years since the team started work.

The three members of the welfare rights team offer advice to tenants in Isos homes right across the North East.

Frequently, the tenants have been surviving on very low incomes so getting advice on their benefits can be the difference between staying warm or going cold, eating or skipping a meal, or being able to pay their heating bills on time.

Welfare Rights adviser Elaine Floyd is based at NomadE5 Housing Association, an Isos Group member in Newcastle. She said: "We have a role to play in helping our residents who are facing financial difficulties to obtain the benefits they are entitled to. For our team to have reached this milestone of £1m so quickly is tremendous."

Phil Soden joined Elaine in May 2008 and Lee Forrest arrived in March last year.

All three are now available to help NomadE5 residents facing financial pressures whilst Phil and Lee provide a service to other Isos Group members - Phil for residents in Castle Morpeth Housing homes and Lee for tenants of Milecastle Housing homes. In all, the team is available to help around 25,000 people.

Customers have told the team that their support is very much appreciated.

Mr. R from Northumberland said: "We cannot thank you enough for what you have achieved for us and for the work you did to help us. To NomadE5, for providing the facility and service for its tenants, a big thank you."

Mr. S of Morpeth added: "I was reluctant to claim... Phil arrived right on time and could not have been more helpful... my application for attendance allowance was successful. I am deeply grateful to Castle Morpeth Housing and to Phil Soden in particular. Without you I would never have known about attendance allowance."

Alison Stanners, managing director of NomadE5, said: "Our organisation is about so much more than just putting roofs over our customers' heads.
"Elaine, Phil and Lee provide a vital service for people who are often struggling financially.
"The work they do helps tenants to make ends meet and is a vital part of our commitment to build thriving communities wherever we work."

The welfare benefits team provides advice about all benefits and tax credits.
Currently most of the cases are for Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefits, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credits, Housing and Council Tax Benefits.