TENANTS of Scotland's biggest housing organisation have been helped to access £12million in unclaimed benefits in just two years.

The Wheatley Group, which includes Glasgow Housing Association, Cube and Loretto Housing provides free, expert advice to help social housing tenants claim all they are due.

Olga Clayton, Wheatley's director of housing and care, said: "Universal Credit is being rolled out across Scotland so it's never been more important for tenants to get on top of their finances.

"We want to do everything we can to help tenants who have been the hardest hit by welfare reforms to get all the help they need."

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights, has officially launched this year's welfare benefit take-up campaign.

He said: "The benefits system can be extremely complex so it's no surprise many people don't know what to claim or how to go about it.

"That's why it's great that Wheatley is making the effort to help people understand the system and get the money they are entitled to.

"To have helped tenants claim an extra £12 million in just two years is an outstanding success and just shows that if anyone thinks they need help, they should ask Wheatley Group for advice as soon as possible."

Welfare benefits advisors are on hand to guide people through the process of claiming all the benefits they are due and support is available to help tenants manage their money and to get back into work or education.

GHA tenants George Hessan, 80, and Margaret, 79, from Cranhill, did not know they were entitled to Attendance Allowance, full Housing Benefit and Pension Credit. They are now around £400 a week better off.

George said: "It was a nice surprise as we didn't know about the extra help. We had our pensions and we've always put a bit to one side, but this means we're better off.

"There will be people out there in similar circumstances. They should get in touch with their landlord as help is out there."

Wheatley is also looking to launch a new banking account later this year which will help tenants keep on top of their bills and rent.