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Money Advice & Support

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'Reach Out' to us during the cost of living crisis

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The current cost of living crisis is affecting us all in more ways than one. Please don't suffer alone - Reach Out.  We're here to help. 

We have pulled together some useful information and links where you might be able to access extra help; plus hints and tips to reduce your heating costs.

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Welfare Benefit and Money Advice Team

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Our Welfare Benefit and Money Advice team is available for you to seek advice and assistance with all matters relating to welfare benefits, debt and money advice.

Whether you want a benefit check to see if you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to, need help to manage your budget and to pay your rent, the team are here to help and assist you.

Help to pay your rent

There are a number of options which may help you to pay your rent:

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Alternative Payment Arrangement

An Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) via Universal Credit can be requested by a claimant or a claimants Landlord for those who may struggle to budget their monthly rent payment where there is a risk of it causing financial harm to the claimant or their family. These can be split into two payments per month to make budgeting easier. If you feel you may benefit from your rent payment being paid direct to your Landlord due to issues with struggling to budget, rent arrears or other vulnerabilities then you can request this at any time via your Universal Credit Journal, by speaking with your Work Coach or by calling 0800 328 5644.

Find out more about Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA)

 

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If you receive Housing Benefit to pay your rent, you can request your local council to pay us directly. This can help you budget.

It is important to remember that if there are any changes in your household or income, you must report them. This includes people moving in or out, children reaching adult age or leaving full-time education, changes in hourly rates of pay or any other income you may receive, and any changes in the amount of savings you may have. Such changes can affect the amount of help you are entitled to for paying your rent.

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Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs.

You can apply for a DHP if you currently get either:

You need to apply to your local council. Find out more here.

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Benefits and Universal Credit

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Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. It has been designed to replace six existing benefits.

The change to monthly payments is designed to encourage people to manage their money. It is also more similar in the way wages are paid. This includes paying housing payments to the claimant, for them to then pay to their landlords.

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A step-by-step guide to applying for Universal Credit

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Use this handy tool to work your way through the Universal Credit application process. 

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Council Tax Support

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You might be able to pay less council tax or not pay it at all depending on your circumstances. 

You might be able to get:

  • discounts - for example, for a single person or an empty property
  • Council Tax Reduction (CTR) if you have low income
  • a different reduction if you can’t get much CTR

Apply to your local council for Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support).

Help and support for payments and money

Below are links to some help and support articles relating to payments and money.

  • Help & Support

Has your UC account been closed without warning? This could be why

If you have found your UC account closed without warning, it could be because of the increase in Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET). 

  • Help & Support

Universal Credit and Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance is given to those who spend at least 35 hours per week providing regular care for someone with a disability. Find out more about how Universal Credit affects those claiming Carers Allowance.

  • Help & Support

Benefit changes for households who have a child leaving home to study

Benefits have changed for those who have a child who is leaving home to study at university or college. 

  • Help & Support

Help and support with arrears

We always encourage customers to tell us straight away if they are experiencing problems paying their rent and there is a range of help available.

  • Help & Support

Non-Charging Rent Weeks

Some of our customers enjoy four non-charging rent weeks per year. In some cases, you'll not be eligible for them either because you're in arrears, you pay rent monthly or by direct debit so you already benefit from this discount.

  • Help & Support
  • Thu, 07/07/2022

Universal Credit and non-dependant deductions

A non-dependent deduction or ‘Housing Costs contribution’ can be deducted from the housing costs element of your Universal Credit claim if you have someone aged 21 or over living with you.

  • Help & Support

Moving home and housing benefit

If you're moving home find out what you need to do to ensure you continue to receive your Housing Benefit claim. 

  • Help & Support

Am I entitled to any extra help?

Find out how to check if you're entitled to any extra help with welfare and benefits. 

  • Help & Support

Benefit caps for growing families

Benefit caps for growing families - what you need to know

  • Help & Support

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £150 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

  • Help & Support

Reporting rent changes on your Universal Credit journal

Reporting rent changes on your Universal Credit journal.

  • Help & Support
  • Thu, 07/07/2022

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – what you need to know

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help you with some of the extra costs if you have a long term ill-health or disability.

  • Help & Support

Loan Sharks - Advice and Guidance

Don't get taken in by loan sharks, follow this advice to ensure you don't get bitten. 

  • Help & Support

Turning pension age? You could qualify for pension credit

Could we help you or your family member with pension credit? Find out what our Welfare Benefits and Money Advice Team could do for you!

  • Help & Support

New government backed free money advice website launched

Looking for some online money advice? This free service could answer a variety of your questions.