If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent, we are here to help.

It is important that you contact us so we can help you to find a solution. If you allow rent arrears to build up, you could face legal action and even eviction from your home.

• Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA)

  Managed Payment to Landlord (MPTL)

  If you have struggled with receiving monthly payments of Universal Credit, or have had trouble budgeting, you may be able to have an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA). As your landlord, we can apply for an APA on your behalf. This way the Housing Element of your benefit can be paid to us direct, taking the hassle out of managing this yourself. ‘APA’s are reviewed periodically by the DWP.

  Fortnightly payment – you can request through your work coach to be paid fortnightly instead of monthly if this helps you to budget.

• Ways we can help with rent

  Discretionary housing payment (DHP)

  A DHP is a means tested fund which could help if your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit doesn’t cover the rent. If you would like to make a claim for DPH you will need to go direct to your own local authority via the links below.

  • Sefton Council 0345 140 0845
  • Wirral Council 0151 606 2004
  • Liverpool Council 0151 233 3000
  • St Helens Council 01744 676789
  • Knowsley Council 0151 489 6000
  • West Lancs Council 01695 577177
  • Cheshire West and Chester 0300 123 8123
  • Cheshire East 0300 123 5500

  If you need help applying, or if you have questions about DHP, please contact your Neighbourhood Service Officer who will be happy to help you through the process.

• One Vision Housing Hardship Fund

  If you are refused a DHP, you may be eligible for our limited hardship fund to help you pay your rent. We will need to do an affordability assessment with you and your outgoing expenses must outweigh your income. Contact your Neighbourhood Service Officer or contact us for more details.

• Council Tax Support

  Universal Credit is replacing six benefits, but this does not include Council Tax support. You must apply separately for any Council Tax support. You can get in touch with us if you require assistance, or you can apply directly online here.

  It can be very difficult to have a Council Tax support entitlement backdated, so when you migrate over to Universal Credit, please make sure you remember to apply for Council Tax support.

• Further Financial help and Support

  If you are on a low income and require financial help and support, please check the following pages for advice on what you may be eligible for:

  • Government financial support
  • Low Income