A Housing Payment, from the Government funded Crisis and Resilience Fund, provides financial support to help with rent or housing costs. It is important to note that this support is:
- temporary
- not a benefit
- given at our discretion
A Housing Payment will form part of a wider package of advice and support and cannot be relied on as a solution to a long-term situation.
How it works
Money Advice Camden will support applicants, where appropriate, to access advice services including:
- benefits
- debt
- employment
- housing
This is to help with longer term housing stability and reduce the need for Housing Payments in the future.
Where support is identified that could help an applicant improve their financial circumstances over the longer term, a short-term Housing Payment may be awarded alongside an expectation that the applicant takes positive steps to improve their situation.
Who can apply
You can apply if you get either Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
We may award Housing Payments for several reasons including when:
- your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover all of your rent because of the bedroom tax, Local Housing Allowance or the benefit cap
- you need help with the costs of moving to a more affordable or sustainable home
We cannot award Housing Payments to cover:
- water, meals, fuel or other charges included in your rent that Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover
- a reduction in your Housing Benefit because you are repaying an overpayment or because of a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sanction
- rent arrears for a period when you were not receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit
How to apply
To apply online for a Housing Payment please visit our Money Advice page.
Money and debt advice
If you need help with the cost of living or debt, there is support available.