Cost of living support

Paying your rent on time helps us maintain your home and provide essential services to all tenants, so we want to make sure you know where to get help if you need it.

Rent arrears, or worries about paying can create real pressures for individuals and their families. We would urge you to contact your landlord as early as possible to discuss your situation and to prevent it from becoming worse. If your financial or household situation changes let your landlord know early, they may be able to help or offer advice.

If you’re a council tenant, our dedicated Rent Officers will deal with any financial concerns you have confidentially and sensitively. An Officer can arrange to meet with you at a local council office or library to discuss any concerns you have or can even arrange a home visit if you prefer.

Find out more about help available to pay your rent, including any temporary or emergency schemes and funds

Local rent advice surgery locations, dates and times

Financial support

If you’re struggling to pay your rent, it’s always worth checking you’re claiming all financial support you may be entitled to:

If you’re pension age you may qualify for Housing Benefit. You can apply if you’re working or out of work. How much you get depends on how much rent you pay, how many people live with you and your household income, including benefits, pensions and savings.

Apply for Housing Benefit 

If you’re working age and out of work or on a low income you may be entitled to Universal Credit. This may include some help towards your housing costs. 

Apply for Universal Credit 

If you’re entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment. A Discretionary Housing Payment may also be awarded if your benefit has reduced as a result of the bedroom tax or benefit cap. 

Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment 

Find out more about financial support available if you're struggling or need advice