Homeowner

You may be able to get help to pay your rates bill.  There are 2 different benefits to help with rates:

• housing benefit, including rate relief and
• rates rebate.

Housing benefit can help some people to pay their rent and rates. The government is replacing housing benefit with Universal Credit. Most people who need to claim help to pay rent for the first time will claim Universal Credit instead of housing benefit. 

You can only make a new claim for housing benefit if you are of pension age or if you live in supported or temporary housing. 

Getting into difficulties with your mortgage payments is often easier than you think, so the sooner you tackle your financial problems, the better the result may be for you.