If you are on a low income (e.g., you receive Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance, Working Families Tax Credit, etc.), you may be able to claim Housing Benefit, which could cover all or part of your weekly rent that you pay to the Society.

Your Housing Officer will carry out an assessment of your income at the start of your tenancy, which will determine whether or not you are entitled to help with your rent. Income changes during your tenancy may also mean that you can get Housing Benefit. If you are unsure, always ask your Housing Officer for advice.

Housing Benefit can be paid direct to the Society, or alternatively, direct to yourself by cheque.

There are a number of important points to note regarding claims for Housing Benefit:

• If you think you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, you should complete a claim form and send it to the Council without delay. Delays in claims could mean loss of benefit!
• Always let the Council know of any changes in your circumstances that could affect the amount of benefit you get. For example:
  • Changes in your income or the income of other people living in your home;
  • Changes to the number of people living in your home may alter your entitlement to Housing Benefit. Failure to inform the Council of any changes in your circumstances could mean, that you are faced with an overpayment that you will have to repay.
• Where the Society is obliged to return payments of Housing Benefit which you were not entitled to, any resulting arrears of rent will become your responsibility to pay.
• If it is considered that you could have avoided the overpayment and resulting arrears, the Society may commence possession proceedings against your tenancy, and you could be evicted from your home.

If you are not sure about anything regarding your claim for Housing Benefit, you should contact the Councilor ask your Housing Officer for advice immediately.