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Problems Paying Your Rent?

There are a number of reasons why you can get into debt or have problems paying your rent. A change of circumstances, such as a relationship breakdown, or losing your job, can have a major impact on your finances. Please contact the Income Team at your local office as soon as possible if you are having problems paying your rent and we will see what we can do to help.

Your Options

Prioritising your Debt

Please talk to the Income Team at Greenfields. We can advise you on paying an affordable amount per week towards your arrears, in addition to paying the weekly rent due each week. Your rent is known as a 'Priority Debt', meaning it is one of your most important bills to pay.

To help make things easier for you, you might like to complete our Budget form to monitor your income and what you pay out.

You can get help and advice on prioritising debt from a number of places:

- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Direct.gov - Debt Management
- National Debt Line - 0808 808 4000 (call free Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm, Saturday: 9.30am-1pm)

Applying for Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is available to those who are responsible for paying rent, or those who live with a partner who is responsible.

You should qualify for help with all of your rent if you already claim one of the following benefits:

- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Guarantee Credit

If you are not claiming one of the above benefits, you may still be entitled to help, although it may not be paid at the full amount.

If you think you are entitled to housing benefit, you could get some or all of your rent paid for you. This is organised through the Housing Benefit section at Braintree District Council. You can contact the Housing Benefit team at the Council by calling 01376 552525 or you can download an application form through their website.

If you need information and advice on benefit entitlements, help to complete benefit forms, and advice on reviews and appeals, you can contact the Welfare Benefits Advisor at Greenfields. 

Joining a Credit Union

The Credit Union allows you to borrow money at competitive rates of interest with no hidden charges or penalty. The Credit Union will also allow you to save money and make payments either regularly or whenever you can afford it. Greenfields recommend Holdfast Credit Union, based in Witham, Essex. Tel: 01376 516994.