Help with housing costs
Information in easy read. Find out how our we can help you apply for help to pay your rent.
Help to pay your rent
If you are finding it hard to pay your rent, you can speak to the Housing Income Management Team.
They can help you:
- apply for Housing Benefit or apply for Universal Credit
- find other services that give independent advice, including money advice and debt advice
Contact the Housing Income Management Team
The Housing Income Management Team gives advice and support with paying your rent, applying for benefits and money management.
If you are contacting us by phone, choose:
- Option 1 to make a payment.
- Option 2 to talk to someone.
- Option 3 to ask about direct debits .
Housing Benefit
Housing benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re:
- unemployed
- on a low income
- claiming benefits
Universal Credit
Housing benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit.
Go to GOV.UK to find out how:
Most new benefit claims will be for universal credit.
Contact the Benefits Team
- 01273292000
Contact the team to get support on Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, and help with costs such as rent and Council tax.
If you are contacting us by phone, choose:
- Option 1 to ask about your council tax account (if you do not have a Council Tax reduction).
- Option 2 to ask about a Council Tax reduction claim if you get Universal Credit.
- Option 3 to ask about a Council Tax reduction if you do not get Universal Credit.
- Option 4 to ask about your housing benefit claim.
- Option 5 to as about a new housing benefit claim if you are of pension age.
- Option 6 - if you've had a rent increase.
Other help with housing costs
You may be able to get a discretionary payment.
This is extra money to help you, on top of your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Apply for a discretionary payment.
You may be able to get a reduction in the cost of your Council Tax.