What financial help is there for housing costs?

The following help and benefits are available...

• Crisis and Budget Loans from Social Fund
  If you are receiving housing benefit or income support or similar benefits you could apply to the Department for Work and Pensions for a loan to raise money for rent in advance, essential items or emergency needs. You will have to pay it back, and the amount you borrow is usually deducted from the benefits you receive over a two year period.
  
  Visit your Local Service Centre for an application or download from the Direct.Gov website.
  
  
• Local Housing Allowance (previously known as Housing Benefits)
  If you rent your home and have a low income or receive welfare benefits, you may be entitled to the Local Housing Allowance to help you pay your rent.
  
  Visit your Local Service Centre for an application or download from the Newham website.
  
  
• Discretionary Housing Payment
  Discretionary housing payments are available to people who already receive local housing allowance or council tax benefit but who need extra money to help pay their housing costs.
  
  Visit your Local Service Centre for an application or download from the Newham website.
  
  
• Council Tax Benefit
  If you pay council tax, this can help you to pay your council tax by paying all or part of your monthly council tax bill depending on your income or household. Find out more about Council Tax benefit here
  
  
• Job Seekers Allowance
  Job seeker's allowance is paid to unemployed people who are registered as capable of working and actively looking for employment. It is based on your National Insurance (NI) contributions. You may be eligible if you are looking for work and are under 65 (for men) or under 60 (for women).
  
  Apply in person at your local Job Centre Plus.
  
  
• Income Support
  Income Support is intended to ensure that no-one's income is below a certain minimum amount. You may be eligible if you are aged 16 or over and are on a low income. You may also get it if you are working less than 16 hours a week and have less than £8,000 in savings.
  
  To find out if you qualify for Income Support, contact your local Job Centre Plus office.

For more information

Visit any Local Service Centre - There are eight in the borough or call us on 020 8430 2000 Minicom: 020 8430 2412


Other help available

Home Store Furniture Project
HomeStore provides furniture and white goods (fridges, washing machines, etc) at a third of the cost of a second hand furniture store on the high street. HomeStore is open to everyone in east London who is on benefits. You can donate or use the service.

Contact HomeStore on 020 8519 6264 they will explain how the system works.


London Warm Zone
Newham Council works in partnership with London Warm Zone (LWZ) to offer private tenants and homeowners grants for new central heating systems and the installation of loft and cavity wall insulation. In addition, LWZ's Welfare Advice Team can also help residents claim any benefits to which they are entitled.

Download this information as a handy fact sheet.