The A1 Housing hardship fund provides rent assistance awards

Nottinghamshire residents that are facing a crisis can find assistance with their rent as well as other housing payments from A1 housing. The agency operates as a not-for-profit organisation in the area, and not only may they offer awards for covering the rent arrears, but there may be assistance for other bills as well as free budgeting advice provided.

As part of the application process, the tenant will need to meet with a Money Advisor from A1 Housing. They will need information on what caused the hardship, proof of income and other information. The aim of the Hardship Fund is to help prevent homelessness in Nottinghamshire County, and the funds will be provided to applicant that have a plan in place for stability.

Each application is assessed by the Advisor based on the individual’s merit. The process will take as long as seven days to complete, so it takes time. Also, many applications will not be approved by A1 Housing, or the not-for-profit may award a grant, but the funds will not pay the entire arrears that is due to the landlord. If the tenant is not approved, then they may be signposted to other local charity or benefit programmes.

Awards provided by A1 Housing

If an application has been approved, then A1 will provide assistance in the form of an award. There are two types available from the organisation, and they include the standard as well as the non-standard, which can assist with the payment of other bills. More information is below, but at most £1,000 will be issued from one of these grants.

For people that are in rent arrears, the Standard Award may be provided. This will provide the tenant with a credit on their account, and while the terms can change, it will usually cover up to 13 weeks with a maximum of £1,000 paid.

The hardship fund can also provide a grant as a non-standard award. This is for other bills faced by the tenant, such as fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, household items, or emergency travel. So this form of assistance from A1 Housing is for expenses other than rent.

No matter which award is given (if any) the most that a tenant can receive from the hardship fund is £1,000. Applications are also only accepted one time per year at most, unless there is some form of exceptional circumstance that needs to be reviewed with the Money Advisor.

Housing and counselling services

A1 Housing offers other support in Nottinghamshire as well to current tenants and those seeking accommodations. They manage housing for the Bassetlaw District Council’s, so the organisation may be able to help people find affordable accommodations to rent. They also provide free advice to customers as part of the services from the Hardship Fund.

The team will ensure that individuals from the community have all of the benefits they are entitled too. There will be advice on how to address debt arrears and also support for tenants on maintaining their tenancy. A1 Housing provides numerous types of assistance when it comes to addressing housing costs and needs faced by families in Nottinghamshire.

Whether applying for the hardship fund or receiving advice on budgeting or other matters, A1 housing requires an appointment. The contact centre can be called at 0800 590542, or people can also get referrals from the Bassetlaw Council.