UK Bill Help

For residents of Durham that are currently in rent arrears, the assistance available to them is limited. Any type of support will mostly be provided by the Durham County Council and the discretionary housing payment programme (DHP). The other organisation that may be turned to for advice on dealing with rent arrears include the various Citizens Advice centres as well as few dedicated housing teams at local council offices.

Short term rental help is available from the Durham County Discretionary Housing Payments. The council has limited funds for this. They will require that the tenant be receiving support from Universal Credit or on Housing Benefits in order to apply. They will also priortise those people that are threatened with an eviction from their current housing situation. There are other eligibility conditions in place as well, and any award is at the discretion of the council.

Government organisations that help with back rent

The Durham County Housing Solutions team has an address of Seaham Customer Access Point, St John’s Square in Seaham. This is where anyone that is struggling to pay their rent should contact. They process applications for DHP as noted above, and offer other support to tenants.

While the Discretionary Housing Payment may keep someone in their current home, there are other people in the county that are now homeless. In these cases the council will still provide help. This can be temporary accommodations for those in priority need and more. The phone number is 03000 268 840, or people can ring the emergency number at 01388 722 538.

Residents of Darlington Borough can also apply for rent help from the council. This particular council will even try to process claims on a same day basis, and this can be effective for tenants facing an emergency. The programme works similar as to the countywide service when it comes to applicant’s income, savings, and other criteria. the phone number is 01325 388514, or the Darlington Borough is at Town Hall, DL1 5QT.

Hartlepool Council provides the assistance as part of Revenues and Benefits. This is where their housing programmes are run from. Whether it is an application to DHP, or if a tenant needs free advice or a family on a low income wants to apply for housing benefits for for their, the number is 01429 284313. Note that the borough will not make any Discretionary Housing Payments for Council Tax arrears that may be due.

Or residents can ring the Hartlepool housing advice team. The post is Housing Options Centre, Park Towers, TS24 7PT. Ring 01429 284038. This centre will offer services to the vulnerable. So the free advice is for older people, pregnant women, and disabled among others.

Middlesborough Borough applications can be received by calling 01642 726005. The customer service team will provide information on DHP and other programmes for paying rent to those people facing homelessness.

Housing assistance from County Durham charities

The homeless and tenants can get help from Consett Churches. The charity operates shelters, helps the young and substance abusers with rent arrears or damage deposits, and other financial aid. More information on Consett Churches.

First Stop Darlington is one of the not-for-profits that can help Durham County families. The charity has a drop in centre. Those that drop in, whether they are homeless or in rent arrears, can get support. The team can help with applications to benefits or a DHP for rent. They also have information on shelters for people sleeping rough and other aid is offered. Phone is 01325 254463.

Four Housing is a charity in County Durham that provides a number of housing schemes. A major one is help on signing up for Discretionary Housing Payments. They also assist with rent and welfare applications, give financial advice and job services with Department for Work and Pensions. More on help with rent from Four Housing.

There are a few local Citizens Advice Bureaus that provide free advice to residents that are struggling. They will cover different types of needs. Whether someone is struggling with paying their rent or is in arrears on other bills, support is provided. The locations of these offices that focus on housing are noted below.

Citizens Advice Bureaus are located in different parts of County Durham. They also provide information on housing challenges. All of the advice from a CAB is free. The team at the locations can provide information on government porogrammes that can help with rent, such as Discretionary Housing Payments or benefits, and clients can get other advice too. Services are also for immigrants in the Durham area.

• 32 Claypath, Durham, DH1 1RH. The number for this office is 08444 111 444.
• Sedgefield District residents can ring the CAB at Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe. The phone is 0844 499 4123.
• Teesdale CAB centre is at 21 Galgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8EQ, telephone 03444 111 444.
• Middlesbrough CAB office is at 9 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 1TH. Call 0344 499 4110.
• Darlington Citizens Advice Housing Team can be called at 01325 256999. the office post is Bennet House, 14 Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 5PT.
• Hartlepool – 87 Park Road, Hartlepool, County Durham, TS26 9HP, phone 01429 408401.
• The Peterlee Advice service has a post of 17-19 Upper Chare, Castle Dene Shopping Centre. The phone number to ring is 08444 111 444 for more information.

The staff at these centres offer support to clients. They are a resource to learn about everything from welfare to other housing payment programmes that may be available.