Benefits advice service
We offer simple clear advice, support and guidance on the benefits you may be entitled to claim.

Benefits Advice Service

We offer tailored benefits advice to our customers and anyone who has been made an offer to live with us. Our Benefits Advice Service can help you with general information and guidance, a benefits check, help to make a claim and assistance with filling out forms.

You can contact our dedicated Welfare Benefits Partners at benefits@trustha.org.uk or by calling 0131 376 5014.

You can watch what one of our Welfare Benefits Partners, Aisha Nadeem, has to say about the service we provide in the video to the right.

Benefits calculator

The Entitledto benefits calculator will help you get an indication of what benefits you may be able to claim, with the added benefit of it being free and anonymous!

Please ensure you still seek professional advice.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about benefits but please contact the Benefits Advice Service if you require any more information, guidance or support with your benefit claim.

What Is Housing Benefit?

Housing benefit is paid by the UK Government to help people on a low income to pay their rent. You can find out if you’re eligible for Housing Benefit by visiting www.gov.uk/housing-benefit - our Benefits Advice Service could help too! Please note a new claim for Housing benefit can only be made if you are pensionable age or have moved into supported accommodation due to your health requirements.

Could I be entitled to Housing Benefit if I’m selling my own home?

If your property is on the market you could get help with your rent for six months, depending on your income. For example, a single person over pension age with an income of around £300 per week may still be entitled to some help with their rent

What is Adult Disability Payment (previously PIP) and how does this affect me?

ADP (previously called Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) is for people aged 16 to pension age who are affected by long-term ill health or disability. The amount you get depends on how your condition affects you; not the condition itself.

The payment isn't means-tested (based on your income or savings) and you can claim it whether you're working or not. It’s tax-free and you can spend the money as you choose.

If you’re currently claiming PIP this will eventually be moved over to ADP. This should not affect your payments and will be administered by Social Security Scotland.

You can get more information by clicking here.

What is Universal Credit (UC)?

UC is a means-tested benefit available to people under pension age who are on a low income. UC replaces the following benefits:

Income Support;
Income-Related Employment Support Allowance;
Income-Based Job Seeker Allowance;
Housing Benefit;
Tax Credits.

UC is intended to be simpler than the current system of benefits and tax credits, and is paid on a monthly basis.

Entitlement is worked out by comparing your basic financial needs (that the government says you need to live on) with your financial resources. UC includes help towards the cost of rent and will be paid directly to the recipient or the recipient can request direct payments from their UC to the landlord. (In Scotland only).

You need to apply for UC online. After you apply, you will be contacted by your local Jobcentre Plus within seven days to make an appointment with a work coach. You can make a start on your claim by clicking here.

If you need help or further information regarding making a claim for UC please contact your local citizen advice centre or click on the tutorial link below.

How to make a claim (Universal Credit full service) - YouTube