CHAS Bradford can help you with debt and money management issues through one of our three schemes; Legal Services Commission, Bradford Metropolitan Council funding and Incommunities Tenants
All of our advice is free to clients.
CHAS Bradford provides specialist debt advice to both tenants and home owners.
Home visits are available on request if you suffer from a disability which prevents you from attending any of our other appointments.
Language translation services are available
1. Legal Services Commission
From November 2010 CHAS Bradford has been working in partnership with Keyhouse and Stachiw, Bashir, Green Solicitors to provide advice through the Legal Services Commission. If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may qualify for assistance under this scheme. Our partners can also provide you with specialist housing or welfare benefits advice. Ring our main office to arrange an appointment for any of these services - 01274 726790
2. Bradford Metropolitan Council Funding:
Bradford Council provide funding so that we can assist anyone in need of debt or money management advice. If you do not qualify for either of the other two schemes, we will assist you through this resource. Please phone 01274 726790 for an appointment.
3. Incommunities Tenants:
Incommunities have commisioned CHAS Bradford to provide support specifically for Incommunities' tenants. The service offered is to help people manage any debts or money issues which affect their ability to pay their rent, and so which make them vulnerable to becoming homeless. To stop that happening Incommunities use CHAS Bradford, as they realise most clients will prefer to deal with an independent organisation for confidential reasons.
How do I get to see an Advisor?
CHAS Bradford offers appointments to clients at various venues across the City.
Legal Services Commission/ Bradford Metropolitan District Council Schemes:
If you are not an Incommunities Tenant you will be offered one of these appointments:
Tuesdays - 10am, 11am and 12 Noon
At Keyhouse, 130 North Street, Keighley, BD21 3AL
Wednesdays - Appointments for emergency cases only
Thursdays - 10am, 11am and 12 Noon
At Keyhouse, Cavell House, Eldon Terrace, Bradford, BD1 3AY
Fridays - 10am, 11am and 12 Noon
At Stachiw, Bashir, Green Solicitors, The Old Bank Building, 499 Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD7 4EG
Please contact our main office on 01274 726790, you will be given the first available appointment at the most convinient venue for you.
Incommunities tenants:
If you are an Incommunities' Tenant and would like an appointment, please ring 01274 254777.
Appointments are available:
Mondays at 9am, 10am, 11am and 12pm
East Incommunities, Knowles Lane
Tuesdays at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Aire-Wharfe Incommunities Devonshire Street, Keighley.
Thursdays at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Shipley Incommunities Wrose Brown Road
West City Incommunities at City House, 21-27 Cheapside has appointments available throughout the week. Please contact the Incomes Team on 254777 for an appointment.
What sort of help can we offer our Clients?
We provide a comprehensive service of information, support and practical assistance with the aim of enabling clients to take control of their finances.
The advisers can help clients in a number of ways including:
- Making arrangements on rent, council tax and water accounts
- Making arrangements on gas and electricity accounts
- Preparing and income and expenditure statement
- Offering advice on budgeting
- Helping make grant applications for help with water and utility debts
- Providing advice and information and helping with applications for Bankruptcy
- Providing advice and information and helping with applications for Administration Orders
- Help making informal arrangements on credit debts
- Referrals for specialist housing advice with CHAS housing advice team and Floating support
What can I expect of the service?
- A free service - there are no charges whichever scheme you are seen under
- Clear explanations of options, advice and our policies
- A designated Advisor - you will be given direct contact details for the person looking after your case
- Your interests put first
- An independent and confidential service
- To be treated in a non judgemental way through our commitment to equal opportunities
How do I get referred to the service?
You can refer yourself by contacting CHAS on 01274 726790
If you are being seen by Keyhouse or Stachiw, Bashir, Green Solicitors for Housing or Welfare Benefits issues, they may refer you to CHAS if they feel you also require Specialist Debt Advice
Incommunities tenants can also ask their housing officer for a referal
Referrals can also be made by professional agencies such as:
Housing Offices, Social Services, other Advice Centres, Health Visitors and other Social Care/Housing Agencies
What else do I need to know?
On your first visit please bring with you any details of benefits or wages and proof of all the accounts you need help with.
If you are requested to provide further information please bring it in to us quickly, as it may hold up your case if you do not.
In some cases we will need to approach organisations on your behalf; we will not do so unless you have given your permission