Housing costs have been soaring in recent years, with rents increasing rapidly and mortgage interest rates going up month after month.
If you are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, it’s important to seek housing advice before things get too bad and you are threatened with homelessness.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get some help with your housing costs.
Universal Credit
You can apply for Universal Credit to help pay your housing costs whether you are unemployed or working, renting or buying your own home. The amount you receive depends on:
- your income
- your savings are below a certain level
- your individual circumstances
To find out more visit gov.uk
N.B. There is no automatic entitlement to the housing element of Universal Credit for young people aged 18 to 21 – you must meet certain rules.
For more information on how Universal Credit works visit MoneyHelper.
Homeowners
Homeowners on certain benefits may be able to get help with paying the interest on their mortgages.
To find out more visit gov.uk
Help to keep your home warm
You can get the tax-free Winter Fuel Payment if you are over a certain age. It is not means-tested.
If you are getting certain benefits and the temperature in your area is recorded – or forecast to be – zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31, you might be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment.
If you are on a low income or certain benefits, you may be able to get help with your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme (you can apply for the discount if you are on a pre-paid meter).
More information
Visit gov.uk for the latest on benefits, who is eligible and how to apply.
Disability Rights UK also provides useful information about benefits, including support with housing costs.
Entitledto.co.uk is a useful online benefits calculator to help you check how much you might receive (N.B. It should not be used to calculate benefits for permanent residents of residential care or nursing homes).