UK Bill Help

There are several rent deposit schemes in the Northeast Somerset area for helping to pay the costs for moving into a new, private accommodation. Some are offered by councils, credit unions and others from a local government council. In addition, for the homeless seeking a new home, or individuals that need to resettle in the Bath area, they can get help in locating a new private accommodation from the Homefinder Scheme.

Each rent deposit assistance programme will prioritise certain individuals, such as the homeless or families on a low income. There is also ongoing assistance provided to tenants in order to help them maintain their tenancy over the long term. By combining the financial aid provided from the rent deposit schemes as well as ongoing advice to tenants, this should help lower the number of people threatened with homelessness in Northeast Somerset as well as Bath.

Deposit or rent in advance help from not for profits and charities

Rent deposit loans are issued by Bristol Credit Union in partnership with the council. It is for people moving into a private rented home or flat, and the money can be used to both pay any rent in advance or the deposit on the new property. This programme is only for people that are claiming a government housing benefit. To find more, call the council at 01225 47 7000, or people can enquire at the credit union as well for referrals to this scheme.

Reach is an agency that offers free advice and referrals, and works closely with Gateway referenced above. The priority is for young people, but others can also use the services. Staff from the charity will go over options with clients, conduct an assessment, and direct people to a housing service that is available for their need. The charity that runs Reach is DHI, and they offer deposit help for private sector housing in partnership with other agencies.

If the client will not qualify for a loan for their deposit from the credit union, then emergency shelter may be accessed. Some of the accommodations include Marlborough Buildings for people with mental health problems, Percy Place, and Rackfield House for women, and other shelters. This is provided in Northeast Somerset as part of the Floating Support scheme. Find more details on housing support from Reach. Find more details on DHI Reach Services for housing needs.

SWAN, or Swan Advice Network, runs the Bath District Bond Scheme. Families or individuals on a low income, including single people or couples, that have a connection to the area can get help with a rental deposit from this charity. While the funds are limited, some applicants can also come from North East Somerset and the charity will try to support that area too.

The applicant needs to be over the age of 18, and priority is for the homeless, individuals living in unsatisfactory private accommodations, and single parents with children. In many cases the funds will be issued by SWAN as a loan that needs to be repaid. The charity will take self-self-referrals or those from a local organisation. Address is Leigh House, 1 Wells Hill, Radstock, Bath, telephone 01761 432445. As noted, there may be some forms of aid provided for North East Somerset, and read more SWAN deposit guarantees.

Taunton Association for the Homeless is for the homeless in the community. There is a homeless shelter, help in applying to rent deposit schemes, emergency financial aid, furniture and more. The address is 90-91 East Reach, Taunton TA1 3HF. To learn more, the telephone number is 01823 271326, or more on deposit help from Taunton Association for the Homeless.

Government assistance in Somerset and Bath

Council help from the Somerset Local Assistance Scheme is part of welfare. There may be government help for private housing as well as Local Housing Allowances. In rare instances a rent deposit or rent in advance can be paid using a government grant or loan. There are multiple places to apply, and more on financial help from Somerset Assistance Scheme.

This is often combined with the Homefinder Scheme. After an interview and assessment occurs, the applicant will get assistance with finding private rented properties in Northeast Somerset. Once they move into the new home, there will also be practical support given, vouchers for furniture, and even help in applying for community care grants or other benefits.

The credit union will also allow clients to access many other their other services, including workshops on budgeting, referrals to job placement, and more. The aim is to help the person pay their rent deposit at first, and also ensure the loan is repaid on time. So advice and support from the Council Housing Services and the credit union is ongoing from the Homefinder Scheme.

A service known as Housing Support Gateway provides people the ability to apply for many different services, including housing benefits, local grants, deposit schemes, or even temporary accommodations in Bath or North East Somerset. There are many programmes available that can assist people so they can remain living in their current homes or find a new one.

Anyone that receives financial help from Gateway will need to take part in a support programme. This will include workshops on how to budget or maximize income. Specialists from the agency partner with people on applying for deposit schemes or maybe the benefit, which can be used for rent. The aim is to ensure tenancy sustainment over the long term, and the gateway can be called at 01225 396296, or more on housing and rent schemes from Housing Support Gateway.