homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
Taking a new path -
preparing for more changes to the benefits system
April/May 2016
In this issue Ostara - our new telecare system See page 4
New website See page 13
You’ve got the Power Round 3 See page 14
BILLS
LIFESTYLE
BENEFIT CHANGES PULL OUT SEE PAGES 5-12
YHN Housing Services Byker Community Housing Office
0191 278 1555
YHN Housing Services @ East End
0191 278 1566
YHN Housing Services @ Kenton
0191 277 4360
YHN Housing Services @ Outer West
0191 277 7940
YHN Housing Services @ Walker
0191 278 8455
YHN Housing Services @ West End
0191 277 1484
Other numbers Advice and Support Service
0191 277 1144
Housing Options Centre
0191 277 2020
0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡`i Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Customer Involvement 0191 278 8600dvwb©Pvi Leasehold 0191 278Rb¨ 7725 GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmjKvDw݇ji mvwf©m mg‡Ü hviv †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i ewcastle Furniture dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“bervice Community Care Service 0191 278 8699 Newcastle Furniture 0191Alarm 278 8633 Service (NFS) 278 1888 GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev 0191 Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq ent Envirocall 0191 278 7878 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633
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epairs
Rent ight to Buy
这是有关您的租金账户的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电0191 278 fvlvq GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb 8600 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 Repairs 这是有关要求维修您的住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电0191 Rent 這是關於您的租金賬戶的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 278 GB Z_¨ njthe wbDKvm¨vj KvDw݇ji †Ubv›U wnmv‡e Avcbvi `vq and `vwqZ¡ m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`want <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb enancy This is ‘Homestéléphoner & People’ newsletter for Newcastle council tenants leaseholders. If you this0191 information in 278 索取。 aunq 0191 278GB 8600 obtenir traduction écrite. fvlvq8600 cÖ‡qvRb Zvn‡j bv¤^vpour ‡i †dvb Ki“b-une 0191 278 8633 8600 索取。 we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8600. This information is also available 这是有关租客有权购买他们的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致 Right to Buy your own language GB Z_¨ nj Avgv‡`i †jwUs mvwf©m( fvov welqK) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ ‡qvRb nq CH Repairs 這是關於如何要求維修您住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 in easy read, large print, Braille and audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter. 电0191 278 8600 索取。 Zvn‡j GB bv¤^ v ‡i †dvb Ki“b0191 278 8633 278 8600 索取。 这是有关您作为纽卡斯尔市政租客所需要承担的责任的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语 Tenancy informations concernent le service « mobilier de Your Homes qui fournit du mobilier Newcastle Furniture GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj mg‡Ü| Ges Avgiv » wKfv‡e `vwqZ¡ cvjb Newcastle, KiwQ †m mg‡Ü| BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj, HN + Ces Rightgeneral/Homes to Buy 這是關於租客有權購買他們的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致 言版本，请致电0191 8600 索取。 dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces service aux locataires les278 aider s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU pour KvDw݇ji c‡¶ àKvDw݇ji Ni evox e¨e¯’vcbvi `vwqZ¡cÖvß| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb eople 電 0191 278 8600 索取。ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. YCH 这是有关我们的出租服务的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电0191 278 informations 0191 278 8600 fvlvq cÖ‡qvRben nqfrançais Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 8633 8600informations 索取。 Tenancy 這是關於您作為紐卡素市政府租客所需要承擔的責任的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語 Rent Ces concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou 这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府（Newcastle Your Homes Newcastle YHN general / Homes + dans 言版本，請致電 0191 278 8600 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191City 278Council）负责管理市政房屋的 8600. People （您的纽卡斯尔住房）组织的信息，内容解释了我们是如何运作。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其 Ces informations concernent les demandes de travaux pour votre logement. Si vous avez besoin de Repairs YCH
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這是關於我們的出租服務的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 278 它语言版本，请致电0191 278 ces informations en français ou 8600 dans 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. 8600 索取。 Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. 這是關於 Your Homes Newcastle（您的紐卡素住房）機構的信息，內容解釋了我們代表紐卡素市政府 Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 （Newcastle 278 8600. City Council）負責管理市政房屋以及如何運作。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它 語言版本，請致電 0191 278 8600 索取。 @ói@óäb îŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NóäbmóØòìíäb‚@ñòìó䆋ÙØbš@üi@ðîŒaí‚a†@ðmóïäüš@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Ces informations concernent vos responsabilités en tant que locataire de la municipalité de Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 0191 278 8633 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous deآن ces informations enدرfrançais dans uneدرﺑﺎره autreاﻃﻼﻋﺎت langue, ،Newcastle. ﺷﻬﺮدارى ﻧﻴﻮﻛﺎﺳﻞ از ﺳﻮىavez ﺳﺎزﻣﺎنbesoin اﻳﻦ.اﺳﺖ ﻋﻤﻠﻜﺮد ﻧﯿﻮﮐﺎﺳﻞ« و ﻫﺎى ﺷﻤﺎou ﺧﺎﻧﻪ » ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن اﻳﻦ téléphonez au :ﻫﺎى 0191 278 8600. @ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NòŠb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@î ‹Ø@üi@çbåï“å–‹Ø@Àbà@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ ﺗﻠﻔﻦ ﺷﻤﺎره ﺑﺎ دﻳﮕﺮ زﺑﺎن ﻳﺎ ﻓﺎرﺳﻰ زﺑﺎن ﺑﻪ اﻃﻼﻋﺎت اﻳﻦ ﺑﻪ ﻧﻴﺎز ﺻﻮرت در .دارد ﻋﻬﺪه ﺑﻪ را دوﻟﺘﻰ ﻫﺎى ﺧﺎﻧﻪ اداره ﻣﺴﺌﻮﻟﻴﺖ <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8600. Ces informations concernent notre service location. @óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633de .ﺑﮕﻴﺮﻳﺪ ﺗﻤﺎس ٠١٩١٢٧٨٨۶٣٣ Esta informação refere-se à sua0191 renda. Se @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra 0191 278 8600 français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. @m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ óîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ língua, queira ligar@Npara o 0191 278 8600. Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastleem : qui chargé gérer les logements sociaux Esta informação refere-se ao8633 pedido de reparações suaest casa. Se de precisar desta informação Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí— q@0191 278 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ au nom de la municipalité de Newcastle etligar comment nous procédons. Si vous avez besoin de ces em <português> noutra 0191 278 8600. @Šóè@ bî@ ñ†ŠíØ@ ðäbàŒ@ ói@ou óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@língua, m‹ Šòì@queira óÜ@ çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @ Npara óîóá—÷@ o ð–‹Ø@ ðäbØómóà‚@ ói@ pòŠbió@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se direito os langue, inquilinos têm de comprar a sua social. Se informations en français ouao dans uneque autre téléphonez au : 0191 278habitação 8600.
Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ precisar desta informação em <português> ou0191 noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8600. @òìóÝ—bØüïä@ñŠb’@ñaŠü’@çóîý@óÜ@óØ@óîóØó䆋؊bØ@ðmóïäüš@ì@ Your Homes Newcastle @ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se às suas responsabilidades como inquilino social em Newcastle. Se precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8600. @ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NpbÙi@ðmóîaŠóiòí–Šói@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@óØ@òìaŠ‡—q@ñòìó÷@ðØŠó÷ idioma, llame al refere-se 0191 278 8600. Esta informação ao serviço0191 de 278 arrendamento. Se precisar desta informação em Nç‹ i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ 8600 Ésta es información sobre cómo pedir quepara se realicen reparaciones en su casa. Si necesita esta <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar o 0191 278 8600. Esta informação refere-se a organização información en español oà enYour otroHomes idioma,Newcastle, llame al 0191 278 8600. responsável pela gestão da habitação social em nome e a anossa situação actual. municipal. Se precisarSidesta Ésta es información sobredo losMunicípio derechosde deNewcastle, los inquilinos comprar su vivienda necesita informação em <português> noutra para278 o 0191 278 8600. esta información en españolou o en otro língua, idioma,queira llame ligar al 0191 8600.
Ésta es información sobre sus responsabilidades como inquilino municipal de Newcastle. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8600. Ésta es información sobre 0191 278nuestro 8600. servicio de adjudicación. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8600. Ésta es información sobre Your Homes de Newcastle, que es la responsable de gestionar las viviendas municipales en nombre del Ayuntamiento de Newcastle, y sobre nuestra manera de hacerlo. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8600.
Your Homes Newcastle Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 5076256. Registered office: Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PR. A company controlled by Newcastle City Council. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle
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Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc
Contents Page 3
• Welcome and Local offers
Page 4
• Ostara
Page 5
• Taking a new path – preparing for more changes to the benefits system
Page 13
• Contents insurance • New website • Do you have a dog?
Page 14
• Building communities through positive change
Page 16
• Prize wordsearch
Read previous editions online at www.yhn.org.uk or download our free app.
Welcome to the April issue of Homes & People As the nights get lighter and the weather (hopefully!) gets warmer, it’s clear we’re moving into a new season. Spring is a time of great change, and change is something we’ve talked about a lot in this issue. There are many changes being made to the welfare system which could affect you and your family, whether you’re currently in work or not. In this issue we’ve tried to explain more about what this impact could be. You can read more about this in the special pull-out included. We have a brand new website where you can find out more about all of our services as well as changes to the benefits system – you can read about this on page 13. And our telecare service, which helps older and vulnerable people live independently at home, is now called Ostara. You can read more about this on page 4. And on pages 14-15 you can influence change in your local area by suggesting improvements through our You’ve Got the Power programme. Please contact your local housing office if you have any concerns: we’re here to help you through what can be confusing and disruptive times. Regards, Neil Scott, Director of Tenancy Services
Local offers Each year a number of YHN’s strategic targets are set based on customer priorities – we call these “local offers”. To develop these priorities, we analyse customer feedback from throughout the year to give us a broader understanding of the issues that affect customers and where they want to see service improvement. Thank you to all of the customers who responded – with your help we identified the following priorities, which we will make into local offers: • Collecting rental income • Managing empty properties and the cost to the organisation • Repairs satisfaction level and how long it takes to complete a repair • Having decent neighbourhoods; listening to customers’ views and understanding satisfaction levels; and • How support makes a difference to older people living in our communities. We want to engage more people online. If you want to get involved and have your say they, please email getinvolved@ yhn.org.uk so we can add you to our mailing list.
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Ostara Staying in my own home is so important to me Ostara customer Brian Holman has lived in his home in Walker for over 35 years: “I’ve lived in this house since 1981 and it’s really important to me that I can stay here even though I’m not as young as I used to be.
feeling safe which is priceless. Staying in my own home is so important to me.”
“I started wearing my pendant alarm in 2008 after some health problems that saw me in and out of hospital. Knowing I’m always connected to the staff in South Gosforth is a weight off my mind - my grown-up children live nearby but I like to keep my independence and it means a lot to not have to bother my family, especially in the middle of the night.
Ostara response officer Andrew Lloyd is part of the team of response officers that answers alarm calls 24 hours a day, every day of the year:
“I get up in the morning and get ready for the day
“Brian is a great example of how, with the right support in place, you can live safely and independently in the home you love. He has a great outlook on life too, always a smile on his face and time for a chat.”
24 hour response and support to lighten up lives We take the worry out of living at home for thousands of people in Newcastle. Our state of the art alarm equipment and 24 hour response service strike the balance between peace of mind and independence so our customers and their families can get on with their lives.
Get in touch Contact us to request a free information pack and discover how Ostara can help you or a relative to live safely and independently at home. contactus@ostara.org.uk 0191 277 7470
Taking a new path -
T U O L L PU ND KEEP A
preparing for more changes to the benefits system The Government is changing the way people receive some benefits and the things you need to do to be able to receive some benefits is changing too. So, if you claim any of the affected benefits, it’s important that you change with the system so you’re as prepared as possible to deal with all of this. Here we explain some of the main changes, please read them carefully to see if they apply to you.
BILLS
LIFESTYLE
BENEFIT
CHANGES page 5 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
The road ahead You may have heard about changes to the benefits system and you may even have experienced some already. The changes are picking up speed now and this could affect you and your family in a number of different ways. Most of the changes affect working age people and they could mean pressure to take on more work related activity and lead to you receiving less money in some cases. It is important that we are all well prepared for the changes in the road ahead, so in this guide you’ll find lots of information about what we know at the moment, as well as ways you can stay in touch with us to find out more as our journey progresses. There are more proposed changes than we’ve been able to list here so we’d advise signing up for our newsletter as soon as possible so you can receive further information. You can find out how at the end of this booklet.
t a h t t n a t r It is impo bout what you read ao yourself, you can d ou're in the so that yible position. best poss
CHANGES page 6 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
A change of direction • Local Housing Allowance – this Government proposal will limit Housing Benefit available
to those living in council and housing association properties so that they don’t receive more than someone would they lived in private rented accommodation. It may mean less Housing Benefit for some from April 2018, for those who renew or start a new tenancy after 1 April 2016. (Please note this is deferred until April 2017 for those in supported housing.)
• Benefit cap – this is the Government limit on the total amount of benefit that some benefit
claimants can receive. It’s currently set at £500 a week for couples or those with children, which will reduce to £385 later this year and £350 for single people with no children which will change to £258 later this year. (Please note that exceptions can apply and some benefits are not included.)
• Housing costs for young people – the Government has proposed that, under Universal
Credit, the housing costs (similar to Housing Benefit now) element will be withdrawn from some 18-21 year olds from April 2017. Some young people aged 18-21 will be exempt from this change and will still be able to get help with housing costs, such as vulnerable young people, those who may not be able to return home to live with their parents, those who have been in work for six months prior to making a claim, young people who are sick or disabled and those with young dependent children.
• Pay to Stay – there is a Government proposal that social housing tenants who have a certain level of income will need to pay more rent than those with lower incomes. At this point in time, households with an income of over £30,000 will be affected, and it is expected that the additional rent cost will be staggered in-line with increases in income.
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – is ending for people who were born after 8 April 1948 and are 16 or over. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send you a letter to invite you to apply for a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The letter will tell you what to do next and by when. Your DLA will end if you don’t claim PIP in time as you don’t automatically swap from one benefit to another. (Please contact our Advice and Support Service who will be able to provide you with assistance.) Please note under 16 year olds can still claim DLA.
Please remember - it's very import that you inform us of any changesant circumstance that might affect yourin benefit entitlement. And, from 1 April 2016, you can only backdated Housing Benefit for four claim from the date of your request, so weeks soon as you think you're entitledclai. m as
S T N E M PAY page 7 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
Travelling forward - Universal Credit Universal credit is a new benefit for people who have a low income. It is for people of working age, paid to people who are working, seeking to work or those who are unable to work. It is a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Job Centre Plus. It is being introduced in stages across the country. Universal Credit aims to make the welfare system simpler by replacing six benefits, including tax credits with a single monthly payment. It includes support for the costs of housing, children and childcare, as well as support for disabled people and carers. Universal Credit replaces: • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support
• Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Housing Benefit
From 27 April 2015, Universal Credit became available to single people who would have otherwise claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance. From 25 May 2016, customers who live in the area covered by The City Centre Job centre at Cathedral Square who need to make a new claim for any of the above benefits will be directed to make a claim for universal credit. Those already on the above benefits living in that area will be told they have to claim Universal Credit if they have a change in circumstances. Please note that Universal Credit does not include assistance with your Council Tax. If you claim Universal Credit you will still have to contact Newcastle City Council to apply for Council Tax support (their website details are included at the back of this booklet but you can also call them on 0191 278 7878.)
Rules of the road Although the benefits are being brought together, the individual reasons for getting benefit will still apply so that hasn’t really changed. But there will be more work-related expectations on those who claim and the amounts claimed may be different. Universal Credit will also be subject to the benefit cap, as mentioned on the previous page. You need to claim Universal Credit online and will need a breakdown of your rent charges. Your Housing Services Office will be able to provide this for you; you can find their details on our website or visit them in person. You will also need to provide details of your landlord, which are as follows: Landlord name:
Your Homes Newcastle
Landlord address: YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX And you’ll need some other documents to provide evidence of things like your address, your current benefits, National Insurance Number and any other income you have.
Please make sure you read yourr letters from the Department fould Work and Pensions as these co on contain very important informatinges. relating to possible benefit cha
page 8 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
Universal Credit claimant journey
1 2 3
I arrange an interview in the jobcentre.
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To make my claim, I create my digital Universal Credit account online at GOV.UK. If I need help, I can telephone the Universal Credit helpline (0345 600 0723) for assistance.
I get information or advice about how to claim Universal Credit.
5
I attend my interview at the jobcentre, taking along any paperwork that has been asked for. I sign my Claimant Commitment, which records the work-related activities I’ve agreed to do in return for receiving Universal Credit.
I receive an online notification to remind me about my interview at the jobcentre.
8
6
Depending on my circumstances I may have to regularly visit the jobcentre where my work coach and I discuss the actions we’ve agreed in my Work Plan.
7 9
If there is a change in my circumstances, including if I start work I have to report this to my online UC account. My Claimant Commitment is reviewed and may be changed to take into account my new situation.
bubbles on pages 10 - 1 .
I receive my Universal Credit decision notification via my online UC account. It tells me when I will receive my payments, and confirms what I need to do in return for getting Universal Credit.
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Customers who have already been through the process have told us the key thing is to prepare - you can read some of their comments in speech
I undertake my agreed activities according to my online to do list. I can get advice on jobseeking, budgeting and going online from my work coach. I access my online UC account regularly.
If a change in my circumstances means my Universal Credit payments change, I receive an online notification confirming the new details.
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Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
Preparing for the journey Change can make people anxious, but if things are changing and you feel unsettled, the worst thing to do is nothing at all. In any situation, preparing in advance can make a journey far less difficult and knowing that you’re well prepared can make you feel better about going on a new journey in the first place. Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears. When you claim it, you may have to wait up to six or seven weeks for the first payment. If you can’t manage, you may be able to claim an ‘advance payment’ of Universal Credit. For more details visit our website or contact our advice and support service using the details at the end of this booklet.
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Many of these changes may mean you get less benefit. If you have problems budgeting or managing your money, or are worried about money in general, then contact us straightaway. You can also visit our website for practical advice on managing your money.
Benefits are complicated and billions of pounds of benefits are unclaimed each year. You can also contact us for a benefit check to make sure you are not missing out. In order to fully prepare for Universal Credit, you need to have a bank account and to be confident using a computer. YHN can help with both of these things if they’re new to you and you can read more about how over these next two pages.
Get a bank account and pay your rent Universal Credit payments are designed to be more like a typical salary payment, to help those who claim get used to the routine of a monthly wage. Because of this, Universal Credit payments are paid monthly, in arrears, directly into the claimant’s bank account. This means that you must have a bank account to claim Universal Credit and then you will be personally responsible for paying your rent to YHN.
still is. ing it d n a d r a h s a w "It y first claim beginn There are some I made mecember and my first exceptional cases where of D nt came through 9th e m rent can be paid directly y y e a p ry. I had no mon a u n Ja my pocket." to us, but in most cases it’s in absolutely vital that a claimant has a bank account and that they can manage their money themselves.
Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, even if you would rather we receive your rent directly, this will not be possible. If you do not have a bank account we can put you in touch with a bank so you can set one up. We can also offer advice and support if you are unsure about doing your own budgeting, including helping you to set up a direct debit so that your rent is paid automatically.
Keeping up with your rent payments couldn’t be more important; please speak to your income officer and agree how you’re going to make sure your rent is always paid on time.
Get more confidence online Universal Credit is claimed online and the expectation will be that it is managed by you online. Universal Credit payments are also run through a sort of online banking system, which is something you’ll need to be familiar with so that you can manage your money. Obviously not everyone is used to using online systems like this and we know it can be difficult to use a system you’re not familiar with.
But don’t worry – we can give you lots of support to help you increase your confidence online. YHN has a team of Digital Champions, who are customers we’ve trained to help other customers get used to the online world. They can visit you in community venues across the city to show you how to get on the internet, set up an email address and do various other things online.
DO IT ON
LINE
page 10 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
We also arrange free online training out of the City Library in partnership with the Skills Hub, which can lead to a certificate once you’ve completed a certain number of hours. We run “Techy Tea Parties” from there too – these run on the second and last Thursdays of each month and are a little more advanced, you can even take your own equipment such as a tablet or smartphone along and our
friendly volunteers will help you to get more out of them.
For more information about Digital Champions and free IT courses call Lisa Dawson on 0191 278 8600. You can book a place at a Techy Tea Party by calling 0191 277 4100.
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Find work
The City Library Skills Hub is a new service offering a one-stop shop for support with training, career and job advice. To talk to an advisor call 0191 277 4125.
Universal Credit can be essential if you don’t have any other income but the Government is keen that you are better off in work so you must commit to preparing and looking for work to claim. There are various levels of this depending on your situation, such as being a lone parent or carer or being ill and so on. Some people do not have any work requirements. We know that it isn’t always easy to find a job – sometimes you might not know where to start looking and, even if you do, you might not be confident in your skills or abilities to get through an interview process. We can help with all of this in a number of ways. We offer apprenticeships in a number of subjects that are only available to our customers aged 16-24. We also offer six month paid placements to customers of all ages in various roles, and we can even support you to set up your own business if that’s something you’d be interested in.
We also work in partnership with other organisations who can help provide advice and support relating to employment and training and you can read more about this on our website too. We have been working in close partnership with Job Centre Plus. One of the organisations we work closely with is Newcastle Futures, who can help with CV writing and application forms, searching for jobs, access to computers and even budgeting advice.
You can find out more at www.newcastlefutures.co.uk or by calling 0191 230 2970.
to "It took ymmeesintx awndeeitkswas get a pa even though I am difficult with money and good n budget." I ca
page 11 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
Getting from A to B As with all major changes, the best way to prepare is to try to understand them, seek further information if you don’t, and do everything you can to be in the best possible position to cope with any forks in the road. We hope this information will help you to make sense of the changes, but it’s important that you’re aware that we are receiving updates all of the time and some elements of the proposed new Government policies are still being worked out. We will be updating our website with information as and when we receive it so it’s a good idea to regularly check there: www.yhn.org.uk and you’ll also find updates on our social media pages – see below for details. You can find a great deal of information on Newcastle City council’s website (www.newcastle.gov.uk) and at www.gov.uk too.
We would also strongly advise you to sign up for our email newsletter so we can continue to inform you of any important details you might need to be aware of. Please email communicationsteam@yhn.org.uk and put “Welfare reform updates” in the subject field so we can add you to our distribution list.
If you have any queries about the information contained here or any other concerns about welfare reform and / or Universal Credit, then our Advice and Support Service can help. Please contact us on tel: 0191 277 1144 or email: universal.credit@yhn.org.uk Please don’t suffer in silence – if you’re worried about anything it’s important you let us know so we can help you.
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T I D E R C L A UNIVERS
page 12 Please note that the information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. We will provide further updates via our website and through an e-newsletter – please keep in touch with us to read more!
Could you afford to replace your possessions if they were stolen in a burglary or damaged by a fire, flood or accident? You won’t need to if your things are protected by contents insurance. Many customers believe that their furniture, belongings and decorations are automatically insured, but this is not the case. So we strongly advise all customers to take out household contents insurance. You can do this either through a scheme arranged by Newcastle City Council or by making your own private arrangements. Royal & Sun Alliance has a scheme designed just for our customers. It’s a simple and affordable scheme which covers your furniture, belongings and decorations. Prices start from as little as 67p per week with premiums added to your rent.
The scheme is very flexible, you don’t have to pay any excess if you make a claim and you can make easy weekly payments with your rent. You can download an application form from our website, pick one up from your nearest YHN Housing Services Office or request one by emailing incomeyhn@yhn.org.uk or calling 0191 278 8600. When joining any insurance scheme, please make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for by reading your policy carefully.
New website We’ve been working on a new website recently and now we’re up and running with a shiny new look for www.yhn.org.uk
Do you have a dog? Free health checks and microchipping on Wednesday 25 May, at St Martin’s Centre in Walker, from 11am – 3pm.
Our new site still has loads of useful information on a whole range of subjects, including all of the services we offer, but it’s much easier to use than our previous one and works better on smartphones and tablets too. We hope you like the new site but if you have any comments regarding it please contact us on communicationsteam@ yhn.org.uk
Friends and family who aren’t YHN customers are welcome too! Text ‘chipmydog’ to 07815 784037 for more information or email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk
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Building communities through How would you improve your estate? Taking pride in our homes and the area we live in is important. This helps to make the place more pleasant.
We want to show you the range of projects that we can deliver through You’ve got the Power, to get you thinking about what you could suggest for your neighbourhood. Nothing is too big, too small or too daft at this stage – we want to open it up to you to tell us what would make an improvement to as many people as possible where you live. One of the bigger projects we’ve completed is the creation of a community allotment in Pottery Bank. The allotment is now in place and members of the Pottery Bank Community Centre and children from the local school and playgroup are looking after the plants. It’s not just about the big things though –smaller projects have been equally important in some neighbourhoods. On Linden Avenue in Fenham, we’ve created a footpath across the green, which means that residents can cross safely. So, get together with your neighbours, community groups, residents groups, whoever…and have a think about what you’d like to see where you live that would make the area better for you and future residents. You can read more suggestions and learn about the categories on the next page. You can make a suggestion by filling in and returning the form on the facing page, or by downloading and using the YHN app – just go to your usual app store and search “YHN” or use this QR code:
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you’v e got
powthe er Ro
positive change
un
d3 We want as many suggestions as possible by Friday 27th May 2016. After this time, we will shortlist the suggestions and you will have the chance to vote on the winners. Give as much detail as you can and your contact details so that we can get in touch with you if we need any more information. If your suggestion was successful in 2015, this work will be carried out, so there’s no need to submit it again.
Improving the appearance of your estate
Safer communities
Suggestions here could focus on environmental improvements such as:
• creating or repairing footpaths to prevent trips and falls
• replacing or removing old fences, bin stores or hedges • resurfacing areas such as roads, pavements or courtyards to improve their appearance and safety • painting or brickwork repairs
Here you could consider suggestions such as:
• building or repairing walls/ fences • creating more parking spaces for residents to prevent parking on pavements/grassed areas • installation of handrails to improve accessibility for older residents • measures to reduce anti-social behavior
Uniting neighbourhoods through healthy activities Projects that encourage members of the community to come together through initiative and encourage healthy activities/ outcomes are the aim of this category. Consider suggestions such as: • gardening activities • outdoor picnic furniture • communal planters, gardens and allotments • development of existing communal areas to increase their use • improvements to outdoor lighting to encourage outdoor community events • cycle storage units
!
Please bear in mind that any projects must be able to be maintained by members of the community and not incur ongoing maintenance costs to YHN.
1. Its easy, just fill this form in: Name: Address: Postcode: Tel: E-mail:
2. My idea:
3. What difference will it make to the estate?
4. Do you have any ideas for improving the ‘You’ve got the Power’ process?
Once completed, detach and send to: You’ve got the Power, Assets and Regeneration Team, Your Homes Newcastle, YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX by Friday 27 May 2016 or email yhn@yhn.org.uk and put ‘You’ve got the Power’ in the subject title.
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ÂŁ25 prize wordsearch This edition we have done something a little different with the wordsearch. You must complete the puzzle which contains words related to the articles in the newsletter. But â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the words is missing. To enter the competition all you need to do is identify which word is NOT in the wordsearch then text or email us your answer. Good luck!
A J S N E P E P E N I D N A L E C E
S E P G O V E E I W G O V E R N G A
E N O W S T P R C L T O E K R N M R
I H E T I S B E W N U L E A A L X F
S R A L I T C L M L A F G H H U L G
I V S T A D I O I S T R C I L O L O
D S T O B I E P R I E O U O R O N V
D I H N G A S R U C F S E S T W B E
N T G L N N I G C D I I O S N T A R
E W L I T S I S Y L A T R E B I N N
M E X N T T E T A O A M W E M A K M
N M O E T A I S P R M S F X N I A Q
R N L W S N L N A S L S R O R M C N
E R A I U R E T T E T E U E E L C T
V E A M S R S K T C M Q T S V I O N
O V M I O O S T I B U L B S O I U Y
G O L L H T E L E C A R E S G W N S
C G O V E R F M E N T L U P M I T U
Bank Account Change Community Digital Fire Flood Government Insurance Online Newsletter Ostara Power Telecare Universal Credit Website
Congratulations goes to Leanne Hollister from Walker who won the last wordsearch competition and spotted our mistake, thanks Leanne! Send the missing word along with your name and address to:
Email: communicationsteam@yhn.org.uk Text: 07815 784 037 by Friday 27 May 2016. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsfromYHN