United Welsh helps tenants save over £1M

Thanks to United Welsh’s Money Advice team assisting people with their benefit payments, hundreds of tenants across South Wales have gained over £1M in financial support they were eligible for.

63-year-old Malcolm Nash from Ebbw Vale is one of those people.

Before moving to Wesley House, a United Welsh Thrive scheme in Ebbw Vale, Malcolm had an extensive career in security and entertainment.

However, his financial situation changed after getting divorced and health issues with his legs have affected Malcolm’s ability to work.

He prioritised paying his rent but was struggling to pay his other bills, which led him to speak to Wesley House Scheme Manager Nyree Littlewood.

Nyree referred Malcolm to United Welsh’s Money Advice team who specialise in assisting tenants with any money problems they’re experiencing, from budgeting advice through to prioritising debt and understanding their benefit situation and entitlement.

After the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) refused Malcolm’s application for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the team helped him to appeal the decision which successfully resulted in him being awarded a lump sum.

Malcolm said: “The Money Advice team at United Welsh have helped me so much these last few months. I’m so glad I spoke to the team about my situation when I did.

“The lump sum helped me to clear some small debts which was a huge relief straight away. It’s great to be able to get my social life back and enjoy myself rather than constantly worrying about finances. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own.”

Sascha Williams, Senior Money Advisor for United Welsh said: “We are thrilled to have reached a stage where our work with tenants has helped them to recover over £1M of financial support they were rightfully owed.
“Preventing further debt and seeing people like Mr Nash be able to enjoy more of a social life because of the help they have received is very fulfilling.

“One of United Welsh’s main priorities is to help tenants to sustain their tenancies. By supporting people to manage their finances we can help ensure more people enjoy the security of a good home and have a better quality of life.”