How the Money Matters team can help you   

The Money Matters team is our dedicated support service that provides advice and assistance to customers who are struggling with their finances. This can include issues like rent arrears, debt management, and benefits claims. The team consists of 3 financial inclusion officers, 1 senior financial inclusion officer and a team leader. 
 
We can help you navigate financial challenges, potentially by maximising income, reducing bills, or connecting you with relevant support services.  

Our services: 

• Benefit advice and support: Helping customers understand their entitlements, complete benefit applications, and appeal decisions.  

• Debt information and options: Providing guidance on managing debts, including budgeting and repayment plans. Giving information only on debt options and where applicable refer the customer to free debt advice. Please note we only give debt options and referrals, not advice. 

• Budgeting and financial planning: Offering advice on how to manage income and expenses effectively.  

• Access to financial support: Referrals to financial support funds or other relevant resources.  

Our advice service is free, friendly, confidential and impartial.  

Last year’s successes 

Last year we took referrals for over 700 customers and helped them to increase their income by a huge £470,766 in total!  

Every single one of our customers who have fed back to us on using the service say they’ve had a significant improvement to their overall wellbeing as a result.  

Helping you keep more in your back pocket  

One of our customers was referred to the Money Matters team via his Neighbourhood Officer. He was wanting help with his Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application.  

He had previously been declined on both PIP and WCA and needed help to reapply. He had never used our service before. 

After several calls and home visits, we submitted the applications. After a number of weeks, the WCA was successful, but the PIP was rejected. 

After we helped him appeal the PIP decision, this too was successful. In total the customer had increased his income by £900 per month, plus a back dated payment of thousands due to PIP. 

Help and support  

You can get help and support from our Money Matters Team, call on 01133861000 or email moneymatters@lfha.co.uk to arrange an informal chat.  

Find out more about the Money Matters team in this leaflet.