Leaseholders' Handbook - Plymouth Community Homes

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Applying for benefits Claiming Benefits The local Citizens Advice Bureau can advise you about claiming Housing Benefit, as well as other benefits that you might be entitled to claim. You may be entitled to benefits in some of the following circumstances: • You are on low income • You are looking for work • You are expecting a baby or bringing up children • You are sick or disabled • You are caring for someone • You have suffered a bereavement • You are in retirement The government has set up a website that will give you information on benefits you may be entitled to. The website is www.direct.gov.uk. Housing Benefits If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit to cover some of your housing costs and service charges. You can get a form for Housing Benefit from your local authority, Plymouth City Council. Their contact details are: Revenues & Benefits Plymouth City Council Civic Centre Plymouth PL1 2AA Telephone: 01752 668000 Email: revenues@plymouth.gov.uk If you are entitled to Housing Benefit you must: • Get your claim form to the council on time • Give them the information that they need to assess your claim, e.g. proof of all income, savings and identification • Ask them to pay the ground rent and service charges direct to us • Tell the council of any changes, for example if your income changes, or if someone else moves in or leaves. If you are entitled to Housing Benefit it is your responsibility to claim it. If you get into arrears because you have not applied for Housing Benefit or have not provided the required information, then you will still be responsible for paying the full service charge. ➪ Previous page | Contents page | Next page ➪ 20
Supporting People Supporting People is a government programme. It helps fund support services to enable people to live as independently as possible. Supporting People services can help a wide range of vulnerable adults, including: • Older people with support needs • The frail elderly • People with learning disabilities • People with physical or sensory impairment • People with mental health issues • People experiencing domestic abuse • Ex offenders and those at risk of offending • Young people leaving care and/or at risk • Homeless people • Teenage parents • Refugees • People with complex needs • People with HIV/AIDS. Supporting People does not provide every kind of assistance that may be needed in the home. Adult Social Services has responsibility for personal care such as: People can be referred to services by Social workers, Probation Officers, Mental Health Workers or other agencies within the community or people can contact most services themselves. People receiving any amount of Housing Benefit automatically have their Supporting People (support) charge paid for by Supporting People grant. There is no charge for support provided by some services such as homeless hostels. Generally, in other services, people not eligible for Housing Benefit may be required to pay but a financial assessment can be requested from Plymouth City Council on 01752 668000. This looks at eligibility for financial assistance. A directory of all services is available on the Plymouth City Council website at www.plymouth.gov.uk or by contacting the Supporting People Team. • Bathing and dressing • Healthcare and medication • Preparing meals. For more information ring Plymouth City Councilʼs Contact Centre on 0800 444000. ➪ Previous page | Contents page | Next page ➪ 21
Page 1 and 2: Leaseholders’ Handbook
Page 3 and 4: Contents Electronic version: please
Page 5 and 6: Introduction from the Chief Executi
Page 7 and 8: Our offices Our Head Office is in t
Page 9 and 10: Not all leases are the same Not all
Page 11 and 12: Leaseholdersʼ Responsibilities (co
Page 13 and 14: Paying the annual service charge Al
Page 15 and 16: European Union (EU) Procurement Rul
Page 17 and 18: In certain circumstances, it may be
Page 19: Having problems with payments? Prob
Page 23 and 24: What if I am still not satisfied? I
Page 25 and 26: Buildings Insurance Plymouth Commun
Page 27 and 28: Repairs Plymouth Community Homes an
Page 29 and 30: Gas and Electrical Servicing You ha
Page 31 and 32: Resident Involvement Plymouth Commu
Page 33 and 34: Subletting your flat Leaseholders a
Page 35 and 36: Will Plymouth Community Homes buy b
Page 37 and 38: Frequently Asked Questions When the
Page 39 and 40: Consumer Advice Trading Standards P
Page 41 and 42: Lessor Another word for freeholder.
Page 43 and 44: Leaseholder Handbook Translation En

Leaseholders' Handbook - Plymouth Community Homes

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