How to Get a Helping Hand with Housing Costs

Rochdale Borough Council is reminding residents in receipt of housing benefit or Universal Credit (UC) who are still facing difficulty paying their rent that they may be entitled to further financial help.

The Government has given the Council additional funding of £564,000 to make Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to those in need, on top of housing benefit or the housing element of UC.

Councilor Allen Brett, Cabinet Member for Finance at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Council is committed to helping residents in financial difficulty, as well as working with social landlords, the voluntary sector and other interested parties in the borough to maximise entitlement to all available state benefits.

“If any residents in receipt of benefits are struggling with the cost of their housing I would urge them to see if they are entitled to help.”

If residents think they may qualify for extra help, they must complete a DHP application form. Please say on the application why a DHP is needed. It is important people give as much information about their situation as possible. To qualify the Council will look at income and expenditure and award a payment if we believe further help to pay your housing costs is needed. Payments will not be made to cover the cost of things included in rent, like fuel, water or food charges.

Applicants will need to provide details for income, expenses and any money you owe and should include details such as:

• How much money you need;
  
• What the money is for;
  
• Why you cannot afford it yourself; 
  
• About your circumstances such as health, family or housing problems.
  

Residents should visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/housingcosts to download an application form or call 0300 303 8870 for assistance.