Paying your rent


You are responsible for paying your rent and related charges. These are due weekly in advance.  To keep a check on how much rent and service charge you have paid, make sure you read your rent statement.  We will send you a statement four times a year. You may ask for an additional  statement at any time.


AllPay Card

You can pay your rent in the following ways:


Pay Logos


If you would like to know where the local allpay outlets are or more information on paying your rent please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer or Scheme Manager.

If you lose your allpay payment card, please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer or Scheme Manager who can order another one.


Rent Statements

A statement of your rent account will be sent to you quarterly. If you would like any help in understanding your rent statement or wish us to send you an up-to-date statement please ring 01903 703 102.


Benefits


Applying for Housing Benefit


Housing Benefit is a government benefit paid by your local Council towards your rent if you are on a low income.  When you move into one of our homes, we will tell you how to make a claim and give you a claim form. You can also get a Housing Benefit claim form from your local Council.  

If you need help filling in your claim form please ask your Neighbourhood Housing Officer or Scheme Manager who can help you.


When you claim Housing Benefit you must do so as quickly as possible as Housing Benefit is not usually backdated. You can help speed up the process by:



It is important that you give your Council all the information they ask for.  If you cannot do this straight away you need to give them as much information as you can, then provide the other information as quickly as possible. 

The amount of benefit you will receive depends on:


 

Contact your local Council with any queries.  Ask to speak to the Revenues and Benefit Office.


If you are in a Sheltered Housing home and receive Housing Benefit, part of your service charge may be paid for by Supporting People.  For more information see our Supporting People leaflet.


Renewing your Housing Benefit or a change in your circumstances


Housing Benefit payments are reviewed regularly.  If you receive a review form please complete and return it as soon as possible. If you do not, your benefit may stop.

If there is a change in your circumstances it is up to you to inform your local Council of any changes that they could not reasonably know about.  These could be:

 

These are just some examples; there may be other changes that could affect your claim.

If you are paid too much Housing Benefit because your circumstances change, this will be deducted from future Housing Benefit payments.  Or the overpayment may be claimed back from Worthing Homes. We will invoice you for this overpayment.  This could lead you to getting into debt or building up rent arrears.


Council Tax Benefit


This is a government benefit paid by your local Council to help towards the cost of your Council Tax if you are on a low income.

The amount of benefit you will receive depends on:

 
For more information contact your local Council.

 

Other benefits


More information on benefits is available from the Department of Work and Pensions. Go to: www.dwp.gov.uk to find out where your local:


Owing rent


What should I do if I am having difficulties paying my rent?

If you cannot pay your rent or related charges. Or you are not sure about what benefits you can claim, contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer or Scheme Manager.   We will treat you with respect and give you advice in confidence.

We will work with you to sort out a repayment plan at a rate you can afford.  We can also give you advice about debt counselling such as the 24 hour National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or Citizens Advice Bureau.


What will happen if you do not pay your rent

You must pay your rent on time as a condition of your tenancy.  If you do not pay on time we will do the following: