Money advice

We care about your financial wellbeing and we know it can be difficult to know where to turn when you're worried about money. Please know that there is help available. 

We can support you

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes circumstances beyond your control may affect your ability to pay. That's why we're committed to supporting you in maintaining your tenancy and helping you keep your home.

We have a dedicated Income Team ready to support you. They can:

  • Make sure you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to

  • Offer guidance to help you manage your finances effectively

The team can support with a range of things including:

  • Benefits advice and help to apply for these (online, form filling, telephone applications etc)
  • Benefit appeals and challenging incorrect decisions (including sanctions)
  • Specialist support with Universal Credit (including making a claim, changes in circumstances, and checking that awards have been worked out correctly)
  • Grants to help with urgent needs such as rent arrears, or essential household items
  • Support with utility debts (gas, electric and water)
  • Budgeting advice
  • Advice on opening a bank account
  • Signposting to the appropriate advice provider for free, confidential debt advice

Get in touch with our friendly team:

Call:  0151 703 3703

Email: info@redwing.co.uk 

Save money on your bills

Small changes at home can make a big difference to your bills and help the planet.

Tips to stay warm:

  • Use your heating controls to warm your home only when needed.
  • Close thick curtains or blinds in the evening to keep heat in.
  • Keep furniture away from radiators so warm air can move around.
  • Don’t dry clothes on radiators. Use a clothes rail near a radiator and open a window a little.

In the kitchen:

  • Use the right size pan and put a lid on it to keep heat in
  • Reheat food in the microwave - it uses less energy than the oven
  • Keep your fridge and freezer about 75% full
  • Let food cool before putting it in the fridge
  • Only boil the water you need in the kettle
  • Use a slow cooker - it uses less energy than the oven
  • Keep your fridge and freezer clean so air can move around
  • Check the door seals: close a piece of paper in the door. If it pulls out easily, the seals may need replacing

Washing and cleaning:

  • Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when full
  • Dry clothes on a rail or line - tumble dryers cost around 59p an hour
  • Wash clothes at cooler temperatures to save energy and help them last longer
  • Clean your windows - more light means less need for lamps
  • Skip the pre-rinse setting - modern machines clean well without it
  • Use the economy setting to save energy and water

Home entertainment:

  • Turn off appliances at the plug to stop wasting energy
  • Don’t charge phones or laptops longer than needed - it wastes energy and harms the battery
  • Some TVs adjust to room light - watching with the lights off can save up to 50% energy
  • When buying new tech, look for the Energy Saving Trust logo or check online on the  Energy Saving Trust website.

Broadband and phone services:

Some broadband and phone companies offer cheaper deals for people who get certain benefits. Ofcom has a list of these deals.

You can visit the  Ofcom website to find out where you can get these deals. 

 

Debt advice

We know that talking about debt can feel scary. But you're not alone, and there is help available. 

Free debt advice
Get free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems. The UK government has created a list of UK-wide organisations offering support.

Get free debt advice - GOV.UK (this link will open in a new window)
You can also use the  Money Helper website (this link will open in a new window)  to find more free debt advice services.

 

Thinking about a doorstep loan?
If you're short on money, a doorstep loan might seem like your only choice, especially if your credit score is low. But these loans often come with very high interest rates, sometimes up to 1,500%.

Doorstep lenders should be registered with the Financial Services Register (this link will open in a new window). They must explain how the loan works, how much you’ll pay back, and what happens if you miss a payment.

 

Worried about loan sharks?
Loan sharks are illegal lenders. They charge very high interest and may use threats or violence if you can’t pay. They often don’t give you any paperwork and won’t tell you how much you owe. Some even stop you from paying off the loan.

To check if a lender is legal, visit the  Financial Conduct Authority  website (this will take you to a new page).

If you're thinking about borrowing from a loan shark, please call our Financial Inclusion Team straight away on    0344 736 0066. We’ll help you find a safer way.

Benefits

It's important to make sure that you get all the help you're entitled to.

You may be able to get financial help from the Government if you:

  • Are on a low income or looking for work.
  • Are ill or have disabilities.
  • Are aged 60 or over.
  • Have dependent children.
  • Are pregnant or have recently had a baby.
  • Are caring for someone.
  • Have been bereaved.

You can check what you’re entitled to using the government's  benefit entitlement calculator.

Looking for work

Looking for work

Your local job centre is a good first step if you're moving into work. Click here to find your local job centre.

You may be able to get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance if:

  • you have worked in the last three years

  • you have paid National Insurance contributions

You can apply even if your partner works or you have savings over £16,000.

You can check if you're eligible for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (this link opens in a new tab and will take you away from our site). 

JSA gives you:

  • money to help with living costs while you look for a job

  • support to help you find work

If you need help with rent while claiming JSA, you will also need to apply for Universal Credit. Find out more about claiming Universal Credit.