Other useful advice

Useful links

• Age UK have created lot of guides and fact sheets about many different subjects you may need advice on, such as money matters, legal advice and health and well-being. Have a look here.
• United Utilities is launching a new payment scheme  allowing customers greater flexibility when it comes to paying their bills. Their ‘Pay As U Go’ scheme opens the door to a much more innovative approach to how customers currently pay their water bill. Now, instead of paying the same amount on the same day every month, customers will have the option to make payments whenever they wish to suit their specific financial circumstances.
• For more information on claiming Universal Credit, click here.
• Plus Dane also offers support if you're looking for work, find out more here. 
•  You can check your State Pension Age by using the Government's retirement income tool. 

Do you know there is a safe and affordable way to borrow coming to your area?

That’s right, have you heard of credit unions and what they offer to those looking for an affordable loan, from a trusted not for profit company?

Credit Unions are now growing in popularity and are becoming the ‘go to’ community banking model when it comes to borrowing and saving and we are delighted to announce that any tenant living in Cheshire East boundaries or employee of Plus Dane Housing can now access these services thorough West Cheshire Credit Union.

Expanding into Cheshire East

Established in 2004 WCCU have gone onto help countless individuals and families with accessibility to affordable loans and have lent millions of pounds to such groups. It is now time for them to expand and have been invited to operate in Cheshire East and Crewe replicating the successes they have had in Cheshire West.

We are even recruiting for an Outreach Officer to be based in Crewe, bringing information and services directly to those who live and work in the area.

Supported by local authorities and major social housing providers there is a strong sense of retaining money in the local economy and a philosophy of ‘People helping people’ which is  at the root of the way in which credit unions operate. They are also a catalyst to diminish the need for people to look towards illegal lenders or in fact Loan Sharks, which as we all know can bring catastrophic consequences to individuals and families alike.

Credit Unions don’t have any large shareholders to pay, are owned by members (yourself once you join) and ensure that the best interests of members and outstanding service is at the forefront of their mission.

Here's just a snapshot of what the West Cheshire Credit Union can offer you as a tenant or employee of Plus Dane Housing.

Starter Loan – apply for up to £800 without the need to save first

Family Loan – apply for up to £800 with repayments made directly through Child Benefit

Saver Loan – apply for up to £2000, must save for six weeks prior to application (4 x savings maximum loan)

Junior Saver – paying a competitive 5% interest

Christmas Saver – place money aside for Christmas

Regular Saver – save for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays

Regulated for peace of mind

West Cheshire Credit Union is regulated just like the high street banks and building societies by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulatory Authority.    Saving are protected up to a maximum of £85,000 via the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

How to join and apply

It’s a simple process to join West Cheshire Credit Union, visit their website at:

Wccu.co.uk

Call 01244 399006

Email info@wccu.co.uk