The extent of efforts by Thenue’s Financial Inclusion Team to help tenants claim money to which they are entitled in just one year was revealed in the team’s latest analysis.

And it said the cash injection, including various State benefits, was helping combat the seemingly never-ending cost-of-living crisis.

The figure has risen for the fourth year in a row. The £1.4 million obtained for Thenue tenants covering the period from April 2024 to the end of March this year is up from £1.3m the previous year.

In addition, Thenue’s Energy Advice Service has also contributed immensely by assisting 583 households with fuel advice and support during 2024/25, generating a total of £51,528 worth of financial gain for tenants. This total includes fuel vouchers distributed and energy debt write-offs.

Michael Byrne, Thenue’s director of community housing services, praised the efforts of staff, saying they “were doing everything they could to put money back in people’s pockets”.

It is often the case that people don’t know they are eligible for certain benefits because they were unaware they could claim.

Michael said: “We are extremely proud of the life-changing services that we continue to deliver by our Financial Support and Energy Advice Teams year after year. Securing just over £1.4m for our tenants within the past 12 months reflects not only the dedication of our staff who continually go above and beyond but the real need within our communities.

“These services play a vital role in delivering on our purpose of ‘improving homes, lives and communities’- offering dedicated, person-centred support which helps tenants access the welfare benefits and financial advice they need.

“These financial gains have helped ease hardship and improve overall wellbeing for individuals and families who needed it most. With funding confirmed for 2025/26, we are committed to building on this success and ensuring that every tenant has access to the support they need to live well and with dignity.”

Funding from the Scottish Government’s Advice in Accessible Settings Fund, delivered by Advice UK, has strengthened and boosted the Financial Inclusion Team.

Some of the eye-catching findings in the latest figures include:

• £545,645 was obtained in Universal Credit
• £176,990 was obtained in Housing Benefit
• £374,806 was obtained in Disability Benefits
• £90,830 was obtained through Welfare Rights

Smaller yet still important sums were obtained for benefits such as pension credit, council tax reductions and funeral grants.