Struggling to pay your mortgage or rent

It is important that you keep up to date with your rent or mortgage payments. If you owe rent or have mortgage arrears and are struggling to pay, or your landlord has asked you to leave, get some advice as soon as you can.

Talk to your lender to see what support they can offer

Claim on any insurance you may have for accidents, sickness and any unemployment

Government mortgage support is available for some, full details are available here - Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI): Eligibility - GOV.UK

Help with paying rent

If you need help paying your rent, you can claim Universal Credit.

You can only claim Housing Benefit if you:

• Live in temporary accommodation 
• are of state pension age

Find out more about claiming housing benefit here.

For more information and to check what financial support you could be entitled to go to Benefits Calculators | GOV.UK 

If you’re a Redditch Borough Council tenant, talk to your housing revenue officer if you are struggling to pay your rent.

If you rent from a housing association or private sector, contact your landlord to make an arrear repayment plan.

Discretionary Housing Payments

If you're getting help through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but are still struggling to pay rent, you may qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment

Help with paying Council Tax

If you need help paying your Council Tax, you can claim Council Tax Support.

For more information, eligibility and to make a claim, go to our Council Tax Support section. 

Other welfare advice and debt support

In addition to services provided by the council, you can also get free, confidential, independent welfare and debt advice from other local and national organisations. A full list of organisations are available here.