Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits:
I am having difficulty paying my rent- can you help?
You may be eligible for Housing Benefit. We have two leaflets that might help you: "Managing Your Money" and "Housing Benefit". Or contact your Local Authority Housing Benefit department to find if you can claim. Many Local Authority websites now have their own Housing Benefit calculator so you can check if you are entitled. For more on government benefits visit, www.directgov.gov.uk.
I have been told that I have been overpaid Housing Benefit and as a result I am having to pay more rent to cover the repayment. I don't think I have been overpaid - I think it’s a mistake. What can I do?
You can appeal against a decision to recover an overpayment, but you must do it within a calendar month of the decision unless you can show a good reason for not having done so earlier. Contact your neighbourhood manager, accounts manager or housing officer and ask them to send you a template letter you can use to help you appeal, along with notes to help you. Or alternatively contact a local advice agency such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
I have been told that I have been overpaid Housing Benefit and as a result I am having to pay more rent to cover the repayment. I can't afford to pay this much every week. What can I do?
You can ask the Local Authority to reduce the weekly recovery rate to a more affordable level. They will probably ask you to fill in an income and expenditure sheet to show that you are struggling financially.
I have got into arrears with my rent because of all my debts which I am struggling to pay. What can I do?
We have a booklet called "Budgets and Bills" which contains advice on managing your money and negotiating affordable repayments with the people you owe money to. Contact your local office for a copy. Alternatively contact a local advice agency such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, www.citizensadvice.org.uk, or a national debt advice agency such as the National Debtline, www.nationaldebtline.co.uk, or the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, www.cccs.co.uk. Beware of companies who promise to consolidate all your debts into one payment - they have high charges. Do contact your accounts manager / housing officer to arrange a repayment of your rent arrears that you can afford. If you do not pay your rent you are in danger of losing your home.
We do provide financial help to Places for People group customers, for more information, click here.
