UK Bill Help

Assistance from organisations such as the St Albans Council as well as the YMCA and others help individuals on a low income with their housing needs. Families and individuals can benefit from services including a rent deposit scheme, help in locating and moving into private accommodations, and other aid. Clients will also be able to participate in education and job training if needed.

The city and District Council will try to place individuals into either private or social housing that is available in the greater St Albans or Hertfordshire area. Since it can be difficult to pay the deposit on a new home, there are some schemes that can help with that cost. If the applicant needs more time to address the challenge of their homelessness, then they can stay a local hostel, such as the YMCA centre in Watford.

Loans from the St Albans Credit Union

This form of financial aid is more for helping people stay in their current home. Money can be used to pay any rent arrears that may be due to the landlord. However, in some cases, if the homeless individual does not have a chronic history of being homeless and evicted, the credit union may provide a no interest loan for the rental deposit due on a new flat. The funds can even be used for other costs for the move, such as any rent in advance that is owed for a new flat.

This will come with a number of criteria that need to be met by the applicant though, including a referral is needed from Housing Options Team. To learn more on these loans, clients can call 01727 819355 for information.

St Albans programmes for finding and moving into new homes

The district council as well as charities such as STARSS or the YMCA all have a aim of resettling people into some form of private or social housing. They assist domestic violence victims, single parents, young people, and anyone that needs help. As soon as you think you may miss a rent payment, then dial the council at 01727 819355. Advisors will explore different assistance programmes, even including moving into a new, more affordable home.

Many families use the YMCA centres so they have time to save their income. They offer temporary accommodations for the homeless and partner with the council on this. Clients also get help with employment training.

There are two schemes available from the St Albans council. One is STARSS, and the other is the RDGS – Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. These will either help the homeless or people with no support access private accommodations in the district. Another priority is on people who are part of the Homeless legislation. For more information, applicants should call 07787 158625.

STARSS is provided by the council, the Housing Association, as well as many local churches that partner together. The charities will guarantee the deposit that is due for a new, private home, and this will help the homeless or low income with paying the rent in advance and other fees on the new flat. Help is provided for the low income as part of the deposit guarantees from St Albans Rent Secure Scheme.

The main Social Housing service in St Albans is Herts Choice Homes. It is for families with a long term local connection of over three years and also some type of permanent employment. The City and District Council can help people access these housing sites and apply for a benefit to pay the rent deposit for them.

If someone is not eligible for this, then another option is supported accommodations in Hertfordshire County. Charities or local churches run these for people that need extra time and support. The can participate in classes, improve budgeting skills, and get assistance for other needs. Telephone is 01727 819355 for more information.

The Housing Options Team from the council can be reached at 01727 81927. Or the main office is at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE. Those people with a connection can learn about all of these housing services.