Help with benefits (including Universal Credit)
Discover the benefits you might be entitled to and how much you can claim. Learn about different benefit types and how to ensure you’re not missing out.
Money problems? You're not alone.
We offer confidential and independent advice on a full range of money matters for anyone living in a Be One Homes property. All you need to do is ask.
If you live in a Be One Homes property, you can contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 or tap here to send our Money Advice Team an email. Our friendly colleagues will reassure you and provide support that’s:
- free
- non-judgemental
- confidential
What can the Money Advice Team help with?
In addition to helping with any money or debt-related issues, our Money Advice Team can also:
- Check you're on the right benefits
- Help you to budget more efficiently.
- Help you to prioritise your debts.
- Negotiate affordable repayments with your creditors.
- Offer alternative options for dealing with debts.
- Assist you with applying for bankruptcy and/or a debt relief order.
- Show you how to save money on your gas and electricity.
What should I do if I have money worries?
If you're worried about money, here's what to do:
- Contact our Money Advice Team for free, independent, and confidential advice.
- Open letters and keep as much evidence as possible on how much you owe.
- Respond immediately to payment demands. Write to say what help you're obtaining or if you're unable to make a payment.
- Write down income and outgoings to work out if you have enough regular income to pay your debts.
- Make sure you're getting all the benefits you're eligible for. Our Money Advice Team can help with this.
You shouldn't:
- Ignore debts. They won't go away, and the longer you leave them, the worse they'll get.
- Panic. Friendly colleagues in our Money Advice Team provide a free, independent, and confidential service to help with money worries.
- Take out more loans to pay off debts. Talk to us first.
- Feel alone with your money problems. We're here to help, so please contact us.
- Feel harassed or intimidated. You still have rights even though you owe money.
What happens when I get in touch with the Money Advice Team?
Our friendly colleagues will listen to understand your situation and:
- Provide a confidential, friendly, and free service.
- Give you updates on anything that happens with you case.
- Provide advice about any other services that can offer help and support.
- Treat you with respect.
- Won't make any judgements about your financial situation or any problems you're facing.
What if I don't live in a Be One Homes property? Are there other places that can help with money matters?
There are other organisations that can help with money and debt-related matters.
All of these services offer free and impartial help and support:
MoneyHelper (formerly the Money Advice Service
MoneyHelper provides free, impartial guidance on money, pensions and debt. You can tap here to visit the MoneyHelper website for free money and debt advice.
Stop Loan Sharks:
If you’re worried about illegal money lenders, you can call Stop Loan Sharks on 0800 074 0878 or text 60003. You can also tap here to visit the Stop Loan Sharks website.
The IVA Specialists:
For advice about Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), call 0800 856 8569 or tap here to visit the IVA Specialists website.
Bolton’s Money Skills:
Bolton’s Money Skills offers support with budgeting, benefits and debt. You can tap here to visit the Bolton’s Money Skills website.
Hoot Credit Union:
Hoot Credit Union provides affordable loans and savings options. You can tap here to visit the Hoot Credit Union website.
Find Your Credit Union:
If Hoot Credit Union doesn’t cover your postcode, you can tap here to search for a credit union near you on the Find Your Credit Union website.
Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB)
For free, confidential advice on money, benefits or debt, tap here to visit the Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton website.
Get to know our friendly Money Advice Team colleagues:
We’re here to help you or someone you care about.
Hayley Lord
Money Advice Team Manager
I manage the Money Advice Team at Be One Homes, where we help customers year-on-year with financial savings and ongoing support.
We offer a range of services including benefit entitlement checks, benefit application support, appeals, tribunals, debt management, negotiation with creditors, budgeting, and so much more.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01204 328000 to arrange an appointment with one of our advisors and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Carla Graveson
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Carla.
I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for over eight years and currently support customers in the Farnworth and Kearsley areas of Bolton. I really enjoy working within the community and regularly visit the New Bury UCAN Centre to provide advice and support (you can tap here to find your nearest UCAN centre).
Before becoming a Money Advice Officer, I started my career with Be One Homes as an Administrative Assistant, giving me a strong understanding of the organisation and the communities we serve.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking long walks with my two dogs.
Tracey Wylie
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Tracey.
I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for nine years and support customers in the Tonge Moor are of Bolton.
I enjoy helping customers overcome financial difficulties and working with them to find the best solutions for their circumstances.
Outside of work I love walking my cocker spaniel Alfie, going to concerts, and sunny days.
Karlston Kirk
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Karlston.
I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for over nine years and currently support customers in the Breightmet area of Bolton.
Leanne Crompton
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Leanne.
I’ve worked for Be One Homes since 2017 and have been a Money Advice Officer for over seven years, currently supporting customers across the Deane and Great Lever areas of Bolton. I enjoy helping people overcome financial challenges and access the support they need.
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me out walking my whippet, Ziggy, or planning my next holiday, whether that’s somewhere in the UK or further afield.
I’m generally easy-going and don’t have many dislikes, although I have to admit that golf isn’t really my thing..!
Kelly Brown
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Kelly.
I am the Money Advice Officer for Horwich and Westhoughton, and love being able to support our customers from these areas.
I enjoy reading, meals out and holidays. I dislike traffic jams and rain!
Emma Jones
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Emma.
I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for over five years and I support customers in the Blackburn Road area of Bolton.
I previously worked for Bolton Council as part of the Access Bolton team delivering housing benefits and council tax advice.
Jo-Anne Maycox
Money Advice Officer
Hi, I’m Jo.
I’ve worked in housing for 22 years and have spent the last six as a Money Advice Officer. I really enjoy my role and find it rewarding to support tenants with their finances, helping them to overcome challenges and make a positive difference to their lives.
No two days are the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job. I like working with people and helping them find practical solutions to improve their financial wellbeing.
Outside of work I enjoy yoga, walking, and spending time with family and friends. I also love travelling and make the most of holidays whenever I can.
You can access advice and guidance on a range of money topics on our website:
Our website contains lots of self-help advice on a range money and debt-related matters. Just tap on one of the tabs below to learn more:
Top tips for managing your money and setting up a bank account
See our top tips for budgeting, which is an excellent way to manage your money. This page also explains how to set up a bank account.
How to prevent and deal with debt
We know it can be hard speaking to someone about money worries and debt. This page provides self-help advice on dealing with different types of debt.
How to access affordable credit and loans
This page includes handy tips for borrowing money, along with details of how to access low cost affordable loans.
