The Scottish Legal Aid Board has extended its funding to allow Almond Housing Association to continue to help tenants who struggle financially.

In partnership with West Lothian Citizen’s Advice Bureau the Association’s Money Advice Service has offered free benefits and money advice to tenants since November 2013.

The Scottish Legal Aid Board funding was due to end on 30 September 2016 but has now been extended to 31 March 2017, allowing the service to continue.

The popular service provides an experienced Money Advisor from West Lothian Citizen’s Advice Bureau who offers free, impartial, independent and confidential advice to tenants with Almond Housing Association.

George Webster, chief executive at Almond Housing Association, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to extend this free service for a further period. The additional funding will allow us to continue our work with Citizen’s Advice Bureau to help our tenants who are faced with financial challenges.

“The benefits system is incredibly complex and having some professional help and advice can make an incredible difference in ensuring the correct benefits can be claimed. This will be welcomed by many of our tenants who need to manage on very tight budgets.”

Money advisor Fiona Samson assists tenants with a wide range of benefits issues. She advices tenants on benefits and benefit claims, ensuring tenants are receiving their full benefits entitlement, and offers advice on benefits disputes and negotiations with the Department for Work and Pensions concerning deductions from benefits reduced if causing hardship.

The money advisor also offers advice on other money matters, such as applications and appeals, budgeting, rent arrears and evictions, debt, and negotiations with creditors or housing officers.

Every Thursday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm Fiona Samson is available for drop in sessions at Almond Housing Association’s offices in Craigshill. One to one appointments can also be arranged.