Can't Afford Your Rent - Help Available
Benefits, grants, and support if you're struggling to pay rent. Don't wait until you're in arrears.
If you're struggling to pay rent, act quickly. There's help available, but you need to reach out before you fall too far behind.
Immediate Steps
- Talk to your landlord - explain the situation
- Check your benefit entitlements
- Contact your local council about housing help
- Look into grants and emergency funds
Benefits and Financial Help
- Universal Credit (housing element) - if you're working age
- Housing Benefit - if you're pension age or in temporary accommodation
- Discretionary Housing Payment - extra help if benefits don't cover your rent
- Council Tax Reduction - to reduce another bill
Use an online benefits calculator like Turn2Us or EntitledTo to check what you might be eligible for.
Other Sources of Help
- Local welfare assistance schemes (one-off payments)
- Charities like StepChange for debt advice
- Local housing advice services
- Employer assistance programmes
- Family and friends (be careful with informal loans)
Avoid high-interest loans or payday lenders. They'll make your situation worse in the long run. Get proper debt advice instead.
Official Sources
Need more help?
Get free, confidential advice from housing experts.
Related Guides
Banned Tenant Fees
What landlords and letting agents cannot charge you under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
8 minMy Deposit Wasn't Protected - What Can I Do?
If your landlord failed to protect your deposit, you could claim 1-3x compensation. Step-by-step guide.
10 minUnfair Deposit Deductions - How to Dispute
Your landlord is keeping money unfairly? Use the free dispute resolution service to get it back.
12 min