UK Bill Help

Hackney residents who are unable to pay their rent on-time may need to consider turning to council for help. There is assistance available to meet the rent requirement when a tenant is in danger of falling into arrears.

Some aid is provided by Council while other forms of assistance may include grants from charities that serve the people of Hackney. The advisers that work to mitigate homelessness are aware of the aid that is available to tenants and homeless individuals.

Hackney Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme

Those who are denied a budgeting advance from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could still get help through a special fund administered by Hackney Council. The Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme can be used to pay rent in advance when a tenant is unable to do so.

This is not a permanent subsidy and is not designed to replace Housing Benefit. Instead it is expected to be used only for a temporary time frame until the crisis has ended. The aid comes in the form of a one-off payment that should provide enough relief to get through the time of hardship. The hardship itself will need to be exceptional in nature in order to trigger an approval.

Applications may only be submitted through an adviser with the following two organisations:

• East End Citizens Advice Bureau on 300 Mare Street. Call 020 8525 6350 to schedule an appointment.
• Hackney Marsh Partnership at 8-9 Kingsmead Way. Appointments may be set by calling 020 8525 6960.

The following Housing Associations offer referrals to the discretionary support scheme:

• Family Mosaic can provide a debt adviser and income officer by calling 0300 123 3456.
• London & Quadrant (L&Q) can provide advice. Call 0800 015 6536 or 020 8045 4011 from a mobile phone.
• St Mungo’s Housing Association can step in on emergency rent situations where homelessness will occur unless the tenant receives aid. Interested parties may seek help by calling 020 8525 7700.
• Supporting People Providers Consortium is a collective effort to prevent homelessness. This partnership between housing associations and community supporters offers tenants a chance to remain in their homes. The Duty Officer can direct people for housing aid by calling 020 8821 5344, or call 0300 123 9966 for general enquiries.

DWP Budgeting Advance/Budgeting Loan

The Department for Welfare and Pensions (DWP) can approve a budgeting advance for Hackney residents who fall into a temporary deficit. A loan is basically drawn from future payments. It is repaid through deductions from upcoming payments.

An adviser at Council can assist with this process. However, you may be referred for a money advice service to determine whether there are additional options.

The Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau on 300 Mare Street can help with this process. An appointment may be scheduled by calling 020 8525 6350.

Other Aid Organisations

• Bikur Cholim is a Jewish aid organisation that provides referrals for the Hackney Discretionary Crisis Support Scheme. Residents may call 020 8800 7575 for help.
• Family Action is a national charity that provides advice through a Hackney office. Assistance is available by calling 020 7254 9300. The grants can pay for educational costs and offer other types of welfare types for housing. More information.
• Single Homeless Project (SHP) offers floating support in Hackney to help tenants correct rent arrears. Advisers can apply for community grants on behalf of tenants who are at risk of homelessness. Call 020 8986 8517 to arrange for a meeting.