Housing Benefit / Universal Credit
If you have a low income you could get Housing Benefit/Universal Credit to help you pay your rent. Please see our Benefits pages for more information.
Your savings, as well as your income will be used to work out whether you can get benefit and if so how much. If you would like to find out if you will be entitled to claim benefit you can use the Entitled To benefit calculator.
Discretionary Housing Payments and the Essential Living Fund
If you are on a low income and in receipt of Housing Benefit but still need to top up your rent, you may be entitled to a Discretionary Housing Payment. Please note that it is a short term payment only and is dependent on your income and expenditure.
If you receive Housing Benefit and need to move home to improve your financial situation, you can also request a Discretionary Housing Payment for a deposit on a new home.
Another way you may be able to get financial help is through the Essential Living Fund scheme.
It covers applications for
- furniture
- household furnishings
- white goods
- clothing and footwear
- expenses like groceries, nappies, toiletries and top-ups for pay as you go meters
If successful, any awards will be paid in the form of food parcels, All Pay Card, furniture from a reputable charity or white goods from a reputable local dealer
For further information, please visit the Essential Living Fund page.
Support in applying for benefits
Citizens Advice Southend can provide housing related support to people in our City. If you require support with a benefit application, Citizens Advice Southend operates a number of drop ins at various locations. You can turn up with no appointment and ask for help.
Find out more on the Citizens Advice Southend website.
You can also contact Citizens Advice Southend on 08082 78 79 78.