If you’re struggling with rent arrears, are being contacted by creditors or have received a bailiff’s letter, you can access free, confidential and independent advice with PayPlan. 

PayPlan is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and understands that everyone is different. Their helpful, friendly advisors will work with you – without judgement – to reduce your money concerns by: 

• reducing calls from creditors whilst you work to pay off your debts; 
• giving confidential advice and tailored debt solutions; and 
• offering secure online account management once your plan is in place. 

Whatever your concerns are, PayPlan is here to help. 

You can speak with a member of the team today by email, WhatsApp, live chat or on the phone – simply click here and complete a contact form, selecting your preferred method of communication.  

Alternatively, you can call PayPlan on 0800 1970 669 or watch this introductory video to find out more. 

93% of our customers have either cleared their debts or are making payments towards them after speaking to PayPlan. PayPlan made them feel reassured and calm about their situation and the majority of customers said they now feel more determined to resolve their debt issues and are more confident about managing their money.

Of the customers we asked, 100% agreed that PayPlan is friendly and approachable, able to answer all of their questions and easy to communicate with.

The Money Advice Service provides information on financial products, money saving tips and budgeting.  You can use their Web Chat service, contact them via WhatsApp on 07701 342 744, or call them on 0800 138 7777. You can also get started on budgeting straight away with the Money Advice Service budget planner. 

Depending on your circumstances, you and your family may be eligible for a range of benefits; these may include benefits for children, for sick and disabled people and for people on a lower income. 

This online benefits checker allows you to calculate your eligibility for free and anonymously – all you have to do is enter your details – and you can find a comprehensive guide to benefits via Citizens Advice. 

For more information on benefits and Universal Credit.

Are you spending more than you have coming in? 

If you're eating into your savings or building up debts, you're likely to be overspending. Taking the time to manage your money can really pay off. It can help you stay on top of your bills and save hundreds of pounds each year.  We work with several independent partners including Citizens Advice and Money Advice Plus, who offer a service called Jam – providing free and confidential support and guidance online, by text or by phone.

This FREE service can show you ways to: 

• Negotiate your bills down 
• Get cashback on purchases  
• Reduce your daily spending 
• Create and stick to a budget 
• Do more with your money 
• Change your money habits.

To find out more, fill in our Jam form and one of our friendly independent partners will be in touch. 

Payday loans are short-term loans for small amounts of money. They are available from high street shops and internet sites. Payday loans can be easy to get, but interest rates are high. Before making a decision about taking on a loan, it’s a good idea to compare different types to see which might suit you best. Money Saving Expert has lots of information to help you out. 

To protect from fraud it’s vital to make sure your information and identity is kept secure when using your bank account, bank card or cheque book. The Met Police provides information on how to keep financial and personal details secure, and on what you should do if you have any problems. 

Did you know that since the coronavirus outbreak began, there have been over 2,650 reports of virus-related scams, with £1.8 million lost to them?

Some examples of recent scams include:

• Online shopping where face masks, hand sanitiser and other products have been paid for and not received
• Emails seemingly from the Government asking for donations to the NHS
• Text messages claiming the recipient has breached lockdown regulations by leaving their house on several occasions and are required to make a penalty payment.

You may be buying more online right now, so be sure to keep your details safe and not share them with anyone. You may also want to check that your passwords are strong and not the same for your different accounts.

• More useful advice about staying safe online can be found by visiting the Cifas website
• National Trading Standards also has some good advice on their website on how to avoid any coronavirus scams
• If you have any concerns about fraud, you may contact the Police Fraud line on 0300 123 2040 or visit the Action Fraud website

If someone you don’t know manages to get hold of your personal details, PIN, telephone or internet banking details, and uses them to access your account, it’s known as identify theft. Action Fraud can help you with this. 

If you suspect someone living in one of our properties of committing tenancy fraud, you should report this. For more information on tenancy fraud and how to report it, click here. 

Is someone controlling your money? Are you in debt because of someone else? Do you have access to your own money?

Get help here. If this is happening to someone you know click here for support.