There's no need to struggle
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Updated info
Feb 2021
There’s no need to struggle
Everyone deserves to have a safe, secure and warm home
with essential items that many of us take for granted.
Hundreds of Cobalt tenants are missing out on essential
items, support and money that they are entitled to, and our
team is ready to change that. If you are struggling, please
get in touch with us. You should never feel embarrassed
about asking for help.
cobalthousing.org.uk | @CobaltHousing
Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 1
Support with paying gas,
electricity and water bills
Are you on the lowest tariff?
Sometimes you’re not automatically given the cheapest rates for your water, electricity or
gas by your supplier and you could be paying much more than you have to.
It’s quick and easy to do an energy comparison online to make sure you’re getting the
best deal on your energy. Call us on 0330 303 2222 if you need help to do it.
Have you checked if your utility supplier has a hardship fund?
Many utility companies now support people who are struggling to pay bills with funding,
and even help you with other items such as white goods. If you can’t pay your bills, don’t
panic, don’t ignore it, and don’t be embarrassed.
White goods
Check your supplier today:
British Gas: www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
Cobalt supports the Turn2Us #LivingWithout campaign, which highlights the scale of
EON: www.eonenergyfund.com appliance poverty, and aims to get a fridge, freezer, washing machine and cooker in
every home.
Scottish Power: www.scottishpower.co.uk/help
You can visit www.grants-search.turn2us.org.uk and enter your details to see what
Npower: www.npowerenergyfund.com grants you might be eligible for.
United Utilities: www.uutf.org.uk If you are struggling with essential items, you may be eligible for support from the
Liverpool Citizens Support scheme; you need to be on an applicable benefit.
You can also call our welfare team on 0330 303 2222 for help. They can refer you to a
community group in your neighbourhood that will offer utility support for Cobalt tenants. How to apply
Call freephone 0800 456 1523 or 0151 233 3053 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, or
find out more information at: www.liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/help-in-a-crisis/liverpool-
citizens-support-scheme
Energy (and money) saving tips
If you are struggling, please contact our welfare benefits team today on
• Use your curtains. When it gets dark, close the curtains, they’ll act as another
0330 303 2222. They can help to check if you might be eligible for grants,
layer of insulation to keep your home warm.
and support you with your application.
• Block out the draft. Placing draft excluders under doors and around windows
can keep the cold air out and keep warmth inside your home. Do you have a link to the services?
• Reflect the heart. Reflective foil is a cheap investment to place behind your The Royal British Legion may be able to support you with essential white goods, grants
radiators to make sure the heat warms up your room, not your walls. or welfare and money advice too. Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
2 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 3
Loan Sharks
Financial support for parents
If you have children and are on a low income or claiming benefits or Universal Credit, you
may be eligible for financial support to help towards the costs of raising them.
Healthy Start
The NHS Healthy Start scheme gives you free vouchers every week
If you have borrowed money from a loan shark you haven’t broken the to spend on milk, fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables,
law they have. If you are worried about this talk to your debt adviser or fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, and infant formula milk. You can
call the confidential number below. also get free vitamins.
Pregnant or have children under the age of four?
Remember loan sharks often: You could qualify if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and
under 18. Visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk to check if you qualify
• offer you a cash loan but do not give you any paperwork or call 0345 607 6823. The support is there so do use it.
• take your benefit or bank card as security on the loan
• don’t tell you when you will finish paying
Baby essentials
• increase the amount you owe even if you are making regular payments
• threaten or use violence to get money from you. If you are expecting a baby, Liverpool 6 Community Centre can
help with essential items such as clothing, bedding, infant formula
and nappies. Please don’t struggle. Pregnancy can be an exciting
If you think you may have borrowed from a loan shark call the but also daunting time, and there is support available, you are never
England Illegal Money Lending Team hotline and talk to us in alone, so please call us on 0330 303 2222 if you need help and we
complete confidence. will make a referral for you.
We can discuss with you any worries you may have and will listen, give Free school meals
information and offer advice on your particular situation. We help
All children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to free
people make sense of what is happening to them and will explain to school meals. If you are on a low income or claim certain benefits,
you the choices you can make and help you take back control from the your children may be able to receive them until the end of high
loan shark. school. Apply for free school meals at www.gov.uk.
Even if your child gets free meals, you should tell your local council
Call us on: 0300 555 2222 if you’re on a low income and get benefits. You might also be able
to get other help with school costs such as trips - and your child’s
Text: 07860022116 with your message
school might get extra money.
Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Report a loan shark online at: stoploansharks.co.uk
School uniforms and transport to school
Did you know the average annual cost of a primary school uniform
is over £250, and high school uniform over £300?
If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get support for this
through Liverpool City Council and local charities. Please call us
on 0330 303 2222 for more information.
29.185 May 2018
4 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 5
Food Pantries
Our two local food pantries offer huge savings compared to local supermarkets, and
it costs just £3.50 a week to receive on average £15-20 worth of food, including meat
or cheese, bread, eggs, vegetables, toiletries and tinned food.
Croxteth Food Pantry
(Croxteth residents)
Food support Croxteth Family Matters, 35 Moss Way, Croxteth L11 0BL
Call 0151 281 4529, email croxtethfamilymatters@outlook.com or send a message
on their Croxteth Family Matters Facebook page.
Pantry collections take place on Thursday and Friday, but you will need to go in to
There are a number of places that support Cobalt tenants with food supplies. It’s really
register beforehand for a collection slot.
important to know that you do not need to go hungry, there is always support available
if you are struggling so please do seek help.
Christ Church Food Pantry
(Norris Green & Sparrow Hall residents)
Foodbanks
Christ Church Cabin, Sedgemoor Road, Liverpool L11 3BR
If you have no money for food, please ring Cobalt’s welfare benefits team on
0330 303 2222 and they will issue you with an e-voucher for a three-day food parcel Call 07874 772872, email christchurchpantry@gmail.com or sign up online
from one of your local foodbanks. at www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk
Please note these locations and times are subject to change, and you will be advised You only pay the membership for the weeks that you want to use the pantry.
on the most suitable foodbank during your call.
Christ Church food pantry is open every Tuesday from 1-3pm (hours subject to change
but members will be informed). You will be given a 15 minute time slot for you to collect
your items. If you are elderly or have a disability, they may be able to deliver your items.
Tuesday Wednesday
Where? Where?
St Christopher’s Church, Good Shepherd Church,
Food Union
Lorenzo Drive, Norris Green L11 1BQ Lower House Lane, Liverpool L11 2SF L6 Community Association Food Union
When? When? (All postcodes welcome)
12-2pm 9.30-11.30am
99 Queen’s Road, Liverpool L6 2NF 10 items for £5
Call 0151 260 1297 or email l6centre@aol.com 15 items for £7.50
20 items for £10
Friday Friday Monday: 9am-2.30pm Thursday: 9am-2.30pm
30 items for £15
Where? Where? Tuesday: 9am-2.30pm Friday: 9am-2pm
St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Paul’s Distribution Centre,
Adshead Road, Liverpool L13 0AL Formosa Drive, Fazakerley L10 7LB Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
When? When? £1 membership fee, then you get access to low cost food items including products
10.30am-12.30pm 12-1.30pm from local butchers, fresh fruit & veg, home-baked bread & pies, tinned goods, toiletries
& cleaning products.
6 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 7
Employment and training support
We have some amazing partners who help lots of our tenants into work and training:
- Ways to Work
The Ways to Work programme is delivered by Liverpool City Council and is designed
to help you into work, providing you with 1-to-1 support from a dedicated employment
advisor to help you reach your job goals. Support is designed around you, delivered
locally to you and at your pace.
Ways to work can support you to access careers information, employment and
pre-employment training, work experience, CV preparation, job application & interview
support and access to local vacancies. They can also help you to access support
through other partner organisations such as money advice, mental health support,
housing advice, childcare and training, etc. For more information call 0151 233 5312
or visit www.liverpoolinwork.co.uk
- Transform Lives Company (TLC)
Getting work ready
Whether you’re looking for work or would like help to feel healthier, happier and
calmer TLC can help. They’ll tailor their support to best suit your needs with 1-to-1
coaching and group workshops designed to help you to achieve your personal goals.
From healthy lifestyle coaching, positive mindsets and planning skills, to meditation,
yoga and mindfulness, their ‘One You’ programme is a Health, Happiness and Future
Children back at school, or just ready for a new challenge? Cobalt can support you with Focused Program which has been designed to help people not just survive through
gaining the confidence, skills and experience to get ready for work, help you to find these challenging times but thrive.
employment, and even help with funding to start your own business. If you’re ready to
try something new, there are lots of ways we can help you achieve your goals. As part of the programme, TLC offers tailored and personalised CVs, advice on how
to access the hidden jobs market, interview preparation and developing job search
resilience. For more info, email sophie@transform-lives.org or ring 07748 817260.
Cobalt’s Employment and Training Fund
Cobalt have an employment and training fund available for tenants. We will fund up to
£500 to support you into work and training, helping with things like a first month’s travel
Sector based online training
pass, CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card and business start-up costs. Cobalt will fund you to enrol on a number of courses and training opportunities
from local partners. You can email Cobalt’s community regeneration team on
If you live in a Cobalt property, are aged 16 or over and not in paid employment, allcommunityregeneration@cobalthousing.org.uk, or call us on 0330 303 2222
visit www.cobalthousing.org.uk and search for ‘employment and training fund’ to apply for courses, including:
to apply. Alternatively, you can email Cobalt’s community regeneration team on
allcommunityregeneration@cobalthousing.org.uk or call us on 0330 303 2222. Tranquil Training Academy (a local business) offers fully accredited beauty courses, with
a wide variety of beauty, nail and bespoke courses on offer. On completion of training,
attendees are supported with aftercare from the academy with public liability insurance,
Work placements and job opportunities tips on social media and marketing, and support with job applications.
Cobalt work with our contractors to provide employment and training opportunities Your Edge supports the development of young people and adults with their own personal
for our tenants, and regularly advertise local opportunities available to tenants. Make development through subsidised and funded programmes. The online training is CPD
sure you are following us on social media for the latest news on job vacancies, training (Continuous Professional Development) approved, and includes food safety, first aid,
courses and apprenticeships in your area. mental health awareness, and safeguarding - key certificates needed for many job roles.
8 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 9
What will I need to do?
Visit www.turn2us.org.uk and search for ‘benefits calculator’. Complete your details - you
may need to give information for example your current household income, what benefits
you are currently receiving, and how many people live in your household. If the calculator
tells you that you should be claiming different or additional benefits, get in touch:
Our welfare benefits advice line is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from
9am-1pm. Call us on 0330 303 2222 and select option 3 for your free benefits check.
Our expert team will work behind the scenes to assess your situation and understand
what your full entitlement is.
£ Need convincing?
Read this real tenant case study to see how we helped a couple increase their
annual income by over £11,000!
When was the last time A couple (“Mr and Mrs X”) were referred to our welfare benefits team as they
had high rent arrears. Mr X was severely disabled, and so Mrs X had to reduce
you checked your full her hours of work to provide him care.
Mrs X had believed they had no entitlement to help as they had no dependants
benefits entitlement? and she worked. A benefits check was carried out. The welfare benefits team
informed her they were entitled to Universal Credit (UC). Mrs X was entitled to
the carer’s element of UC even though she earned more than £128 per week.
Mr X’s disability also attracted an extra element paid in UC. They were entitled
{{ }}
to an extra bedroom under the Bedroom Tax rules as they were unable to share
due to Mr X’s disabilities, AND they were given a reduction in council tax as Mr X
was severely disabled.
You might be entitled to more than you think.
Our welfare benefits team helped Mr and Mrs X make the claim for Universal
Credit, and initially, UC refused the claim, BUT a dispute was submitted and the
claim was successful and backdated.
Hundreds of Cobalt tenants are missing out
The couple are now able to sustain their tenancy and are better off through a
Every week our welfare team speak to tenants who are not claiming the right benefits, Universal Credit payment of £931.00 per month. This is an annual increase in
and are losing out of hundreds, or even thousands of pounds every year. income of over £11,172, AND is paid on top of Mrs X’s earned income! Plus, they
received a Council Tax rebate.
Whatever your age or background, it’s really worthwhile visiting www.turn2us.org.uk and
completing the ‘benefits calculator’ to see what you could be entitled to. If it tells you This could be you!!
that you may be entitled to further support, please get in touch with our friendly welfare
benefits team who will help you to ensure you are receiving all the financial help you are Not only does it give you financial security, your home is secure, your wellbeing
entitled to. Help would be provided to make the claims, and support is given all the way improves, and you have more money to spend in the local area, which benefits
through to your appeal. the community too!
10 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 11
1 2
Jim & Mandy Hani & Brinda
Jim and Mandy are age 67 and 62 Hani and Brinda are age 71 and 64
respectively. They currently claim respectively. They currently claim
Pension Credit(PC) and Housing Pension Credit. They have been living
Benefit(HB) on their two-bedroom with their daughter and her family,
house in Newcastle. In September 2020 but Hani is struggling with the stairs
they move to Lancaster to be closer and they have applied for re-housing.
to their daughter and grandchildren. In November 2020 they are offered a
Although this move is to a different LA one-bed bungalow. When they move
area and would mean a new claim for in, they will need help paying their rent.
Are you in a mixed age couple? HB - they are allowed to make that claim
as they are in receipt of Pension Credit.
As they are getting PC they will be able
to make a new claim for HB.
You could be losing out on thousands
The big issue here is that
3
because of major changes to the benefits
system the majority of mixed age
couples are at least £137
Up until 15th May 2019, mixed age couples a week worse off on UC
(where one is working age and the other compared to how much PC Pete & Simon
is pension age) had a choice - they could and HB they would receive
claim Universal Credit or they could claim based on the same set of Pete and Simon are age 66 and 58 respectively. Simon has been working and
Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and/or circumstances!* his wage meant that they did not need to claim any benefits. In December
Tax Credits instead. 2019 he is laid off and claims new-style JSA. Even though Pete is Pension
Credit age, they are not able to make new claims for PC or HB - they have to
However, since 15th May 2019 mixed age For couples - not taking account of any make a new claim for Universal Credit. This will take account of any pensions
couples are no longer able to make new rent - the level of Universal Credit is £137.09 paid to Pete as well as Simon’s New-Style JSA. Simon will have to look for
claims for Pension Credit and/or Housing a week, compared to Pension Credit which work, but Pete being pension age - will not.
Benefit unless they are already in receipt will be £265.20 a week (from April 2020).
of Pension Credit or Housing Benefit under Those mixed age couples already on
the State Pension Credit age regulations. Pension Credit and/or pension credit age
Instead, if they need a financial top up and/ Housing Benefit will not need to move onto
or help paying their rent they will (usually) UC while they remain entitled, unless there
need to claim Universal Credit. is a break in their entitlement. The rules are complicated – always seek
advice from our welfare benefits team
*Other rules that could affect them on the UC system include: the Bedroom Tax, less generous before making any claims
eligible service charge rules, less generous tariff income from savings rules, less generous
backdating rules, less generous temporary absence rules, the benefit cap, making a contribution
towards their Council Tax.
12 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 13
Everything you need How could Attendance Allowance help me?
A little extra money can go a long way. You can use it in any way you like to meet your
to know about claiming needs and stay independent in your own home. The money doesn’t have to be spent on
a carer.
Attendance Allowance There are some positives to claiming Attendance Allowance and it won’t mean a
reduction in other benefits you receive:
• Claiming Attendance Allowance won’t reduce any other income you receive and
Hundreds of Cobalt tenants are missing out on claiming up to £89.15 a week. it’s tax-free.
If you’re over pension age, read on to find out if you could be eligible for support • If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, you may become entitled to other benefits,
of over £4,500 each year. such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, or an increase in
these benefits if you’re already receiving them in the form of extra premiums.
What is Attendance Allowance? • Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter how much income
and savings you have.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid to help people over pension age who have
care needs and require extra help or whose personal wellbeing may be affected due • You will qualify for a Christmas bonus each year. This is usually £10. You do not need
to physical or mental health problems. You may have care needs if you need help with to make a claim for the bonus, it is paid automatically. It does not affect any other
activities of daily living, such as: getting dressed, going to the toilet or having someone benefits you might get.
to look after you so you do not hurt yourself.
It could also include help outside the home. It does not matter if no one actually gives How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
you this help, as long as you can show that you need it. You can have any type of physical
Telephone our welfare benefits team today on 0330 303 2222 (option 3) who can
disability or illness, including:
arrange a telephone appointment for you to speak with one of our trained benefits
• Sight or hearing impairments specialists who will check to see if you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance and will
support you through the claiming process.
• Mental health issues such as dementia, alzheimer’s or depression
You can also get a claim form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731
If you already get Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, you will 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317), if you can’t do this yourself a family member could
continue to get that benefit and you won’t be able to claim Attendance Allowance. phone on your behalf or our welfare benefit team could help you get your claim started.
You must have needed care or supervision for 6 months before you can start being paid
Attendance Allowance. What happens if I’ve been told I might be eligible for Attendance Allowance?
If you apply under the special rules for ‘terminal illness’, there is no 6-month qualifying You will be sent a claim form to complete, there will be a return date on the front of the
period. form. Don’t be put off by the size of the form asking what difficulties you have doing
everyday tasks, we are on hand to help you complete the form.
How much could I be eligible for? If you can get medical evidence to support your claim i.e. prescription lists, appointment
letters, GP letters and any reports about your illnesses or disabilities then this will
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates depending on how often you need care: strengthen your claim.
{ }
• The lower rate is £59.70 a week. You get this if you need frequent care throughout
the day.
• The higher rate is £89.15 a week. You get this if you need frequent care throughout You have nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain!!
the day and night or if you are terminally ill.
14 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing 15
Ready to get in touch
with us for support?
Winter can often lead to an increase in calls, and at certain times
of the week you may be on hold for longer. If you need support
or advice about anything in this booklet, the green hours shown
below are the quieter times to call our team on 0330 303 2222:
12 12 12
9 Monday 3 9 Tuesday 3 9 Wednesday 3
6 6 6
12 12
9 Thursday 3 9 Friday 3
6 6
Enquiry not urgent?
You can email info@cobalthousing.org.uk with your message,
and a team member will get back in touch with you.
Use MyCobalt at a time that works for you
Busy lifestyle or working through the day? You can use your
MyCobalt account to report a repair, pay your rent, view
your rent balance and message our team any time, and from
wherever you are by using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Not signed up yet? Visit www.cobalthousing.org.uk/mycobalt
to set your account up today!
cobalthousing.org.uk | @CobaltHousing
16 Get in touch 0330 303 2222 | @CobaltHousing
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