Managing your finances
With so many ways to make payments, we expect residents who can afford their rent to pay it regularly: on time and in advance. This is your responsibility, so please don't wait for reminders from us before you pay.
If you do have money problems or think you may be heading for a difficult time, please contact your Income Officer as soon as possible. There is nothing to fear: we are always happy to give advice and help bring your payments up-to-date.
On a low income?
If you are on a low income – even if you are working – your Income Officer can advise you about benefits you might be missing out on, including Housing Benefit. But don't wait to speak to your Income Officer before making a claim – you could claim Housing Benefit immediately by contacting your local authority. You will be asked to supply documentation, such as a payslip or disability certificate (depending on your circumstances) – your claim cannot be processed without it. Claims often take several weeks and failure to supply documents will cause a further delay. Providing this information is your responsibility, but your income officer can give useful advice.
In the meantime you should continue paying your full rent, but if you keep us fully informed of your claim's progress, your Income Officer can work out rent payments which you should be able to afford.
If your circumstances change after you claim Housing Benefit, you must tell the local authority immediately. This is a legal requirement. You should also inform your Income Officer.
If we have arranged for you to pay less than the full rent, you must ensure that the local authority pay Housing Benefit to us to make up the shortfall.