This figure marks the third consecutive annual increase, highlighting the growing need for financial support amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

The £1.3m obtained for Thenue tenants, covering the period April 2023 to the end of March this year, up from £1.1m the previous year, which itself was a rise from £1.03m the year before that.

The team said the cash injection including various state benefits was helping combat the cost-of-living crisis.

Thenue chief executive Gary Naylor 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.

Mr Naylor said: “This remarkable figure which shows another rise on the previous year reflects the efforts of our staff to help people at a time of unprecedented need.

“We know that many are struggling with cost of living pressures and we are doing everything we can to help. Our staff are here to help navigate the often tricky task of applying for benefits to which people are entirely entitled. And of course it is free and entirely confidential.”

Thenue’s income maximisation manager Gail Shearer who leads the team said: “The direction of travel is clear. Every year for three years the amount we have obtained for Thenue tenants has risen. Never has it been more important for people to check with us if they are missing out on cash.”

Some of the eye-catching findings in the latest Thenue figures make for impressive reading:

• £448,682 was obtained in Universal Credit
• £386,242 was obtained in Housing Benefit
• £180,029 was obtained in Adult Disability Payment
• £104,206 was obtained in Personal Independence Payments
• Smaller yet still important sums were obtained for benefits such as pension credit, council tax rebates and the State pension

Mr Naylor added: “It is yet another example of the work housing providers do which support their communities.

“The team at Thenue understand there has never been a more important time for help of this kind and we are committed to creating sustainable, resilient and connected communities where people’s wellbeing and opportunities are enhanced.”