FINANCIAL help for people to pay their rent or council tax bills could be available for those who are struggling – and they may not even know they can get it.
Pensioners, people on low incomes and those claiming Universal Credit across North East Lincolnshire are being asked to ensure they are claiming what they are entitled to – and it could add up to hundreds of pounds to support monthly council tax and rent payments.
There are two types of payments that North East Lincolnshire Council believes some people are unaware of:
Council Tax Support: this is separate to Universal Credit and those who qualify (based on overall household income) can get money off their overall Council Tax payments;
Discretionary Housing Payments: These offer short-term extra help for people who get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit when it does not cover their full rent. In some cases, money can also help to pay rent in advance if someone is moving to a new rental home.
A council spokesperson stressed how, whist Council Tax collection was vital to provide income to pay for important local services, the authority would do what it could to help those who struggle. But it could only do that if people made contact.
Encouraging people to make contact before it’s too late, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, Cllr Stephen Harness, said: “Clearly there are people who are in genuine need of support, and that support is available but they are not claiming it. Please look at what you may be entitled to. For you and your family, this help could make a big difference at what is likely to be an extremely stressful time.”
If you are claiming Universal Credit then please ask when you are completing the forms at Jobcentre Plus, or please contact North East Lincolnshire Council or fill in the forms:
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