A GLASGOW man has told how a benefits advice service has given him access to the money he needed after working his entire life. 

Eddie Myles, from Garscadden, suffered a stroke and asked for support from Wheatley Group’s benefits advisors to claim attendance allowance and pension credit.

He is one of the many tenants across Scotland who have claimed more than £13 million in welfare benefits in the past 12 months thanks to the housing association's support service. 

The 69-year-old said: “I worked all my days, from 15 until I was 65, and never asked for anything. But after my stroke, everything changed and it was a difficult time not knowing what to do.

“If it wasn’t for the help I got from Donna at Wheatley, I don’t know where I’d be. She’s been first class. She explained everything so clearly and helped me. I’d never claimed for anything before, but she helped with all the forms and talked me through everything.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to advise someone to reach out to the welfare advisors for help. When you need that help, it’s great knowing there’s someone there - that makes a big difference.”

The group’s 24 welfare benefits advisors assisted 7386 tenants of Wheatley Homes Glasgow, Wheatley Homes East, Wheatley Homes South and Loretto Housing to claim more than £13m in the last financial year.

The figure represents the highest annual amount the group’s welfare benefits advisors have ever helped customers access.

Laura Pluck, Wheatley Group director of communities, said: “We’re doing all we can to support our tenants in these difficult times. The welfare benefits system can be complex for people to navigate.

"Tenants may presume they’re already getting all the financial support available or they’re not entitled to anything. Others may worry their claim will be rejected or they struggle to apply online.

“Welfare benefits are a vital safety net for many people on low-incomes, particularly in this cost-of-living crisis. We are here to help tenants claim all of the benefits they are entitled to. The support and advice we can offer is life changing.”

Wheatley Group offers a wide range of additional support services for tenants who need extra support including fuel advisors, food vouchers, and employability support as part of a £6m Here for You campaign.

Tenants who want to book an appointment with a welfare benefits advisor should speak to their housing officer.