Whether you live in a private rented property or your landlord is a Registered Social Landlord, take the necessary steps if you are in rent arrears or worried about affording your rent in future.
If you have been made redundant, the most important thing to do is contact your landlord and let them know about your change in circumstances. Most private landlords will be sympathetic of your circumstances and give you the time required to sort out any benefit entitlements. Keep in touch with them so they are aware what is going on.
If you are a Social Housing Tenant, your landlord may have welfare and benefit advisors or other people within the organisation who can help you. The important thing is to take immediate action in sorting out any welfare and benefits claims.
| Useful organisations for information and advice |
|
Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice on issues such as housing, legal, money, debt, repossession and welfare benefits. Find your local bureau in Somerset or visit Adviceguide for practical, reliable, up-to-date information on a wide range of topics and factsheets to download. |
|
For information about Tax Credits phone 0845 300 3900. 9 out of 10 families with children are entitled to tax credits. But you don't need to have children to qualify. Click what are tax credits to find out how much you could get. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Community Legal Advice offers free, confidential and independent legal advice for residents of England and Wales who are on a low income. |
|
National Debtline helps you to deal with debt issues. You can also download and print a personal budget sheet and self help pack. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shelter offers help with housing, rent arrears, repossession or problems with welfare benefits. Shelter have an office in Taunton and can be accessed on 0800 169 0317. |
|
Consumer Credit Counselling Services offers you help to deal with several debts. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
To see if you are eligible for Council tax benefit to help with your council tax bills, to register with Homefinder Somerset or to get advice about a homelessness application contact your local Council. You can also contact them for other housing advice. Depending on which district you live you in click on one of the following:
Mendip District Council: Sedgemoor District Council: Taunton Deane Council: West Somerset District Council: South Somerset District Council |
|
For information and advice on Pension Credit, if you are over the state pension age, phone 0800 99 1234. |
