Help With Housing Costs

Housing costs are one of the largest household expenses for many individuals and families. Rising rents, mortgage payments, utility costs, service charges, council tax, and wider cost of living pressures can create significant financial strain.

Financial difficulties affecting housing can happen to anyone and may result from:

• Job loss or reduced income
• Illness or disability
• Family separation
• Relationship breakdown
• Caring responsibilities
• Benefit delays
• Rising living costs
• Debt
• Unexpected emergencies
• Bereavement
• Domestic abuse
• Housing cost increases

Right First Time UK aims to provide accessible, balanced, and supportive information to help people understand housing-related financial support, homelessness prevention, housing rights, and available assistance.

Seeking help early can often prevent housing problems from becoming housing crises.

Everyone deserves safe, stable housing and access to fair support systems.

Why Housing Costs Matter

Housing stability affects many areas of life, including:

• Physical health
• Mental wellbeing
• Family stability
• Child welfare
• Employment
• Education
• Independence
• Safety

When housing costs become difficult to manage, individuals and families may experience:

• Financial stress
• Rent arrears
• Mortgage arrears
• Risk of eviction
• Homelessness concerns
• Emotional distress
• Relationship pressures
• Increased safeguarding concerns

Housing support exists to help reduce these risks and improve stability.

Housing Rights & Legal Protections

Several important laws and policies provide protection for people struggling with housing costs.

These include:

• Housing Act 1985
• Housing Act 1988
• Housing Act 1996
• Homelessness Act 2002
• Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Welfare Reform Act 2012
• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Care Act 2014
• Children Act 1989
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Protection from Eviction Act 1977

These laws may provide protections relating to:

• Housing support
• Homelessness prevention
• Council duties
• Vulnerable individuals
• Families with children
• Disability rights
• Safeguarding responsibilities
• Eviction processes
• Temporary accommodation

Understanding rights early can help people access support before situations become more severe.

Universal Credit Housing Element

Many people receiving Universal Credit may be entitled to support towards housing costs.

The Housing Element may help with:

• Rent payments
• Housing stability
• Prevention of rent arrears
• Support during periods of low income

The amount available depends on individual circumstances and eligibility rules.

Housing support may vary depending on:

• Household income
• Housing costs
• Family circumstances
• Disability-related needs
• Local Housing Allowance rates

Government Information

Universal Credit:
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Housing Costs Through Universal Credit:
https://www.gov.uk/housing-and-universal-credit

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit may still be available in some situations, particularly for certain existing claimants, supported housing residents, and pension-age households.

Housing Benefit may help with:

• Rent costs
• Housing affordability
• Financial stability
• Prevention of homelessness

Eligibility rules vary according to personal circumstances.

Government Information

Housing Benefit:
https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

Discretionary Housing Payments are additional payments that local councils may provide to people already receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing support.

DHPs are designed to assist people experiencing exceptional hardship.

Support may help with:

• Rent shortfalls
• Housing crises
• Prevention of eviction
• Temporary financial difficulties
• Housing stability during emergencies

DHPs are not automatic and usually require an application through the local council.

Government Information

Discretionary Housing Payments:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/discretionary-housing-payments-guidance-manual

Find Your Local Council:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Council Housing Support

Local councils may offer various forms of housing support to help people remain safely housed.

Support may include:

• Housing advice
• Rent arrears assistance
• Homelessness prevention support
• Housing assessments
• Temporary accommodation
• Emergency support
• Welfare assistance schemes
• Referrals to specialist services

Councils may have additional duties where people are:

• Disabled
• Vulnerable
• Pregnant
• Responsible for children
• Experiencing domestic abuse
• At risk of homelessness

Government Information

Find Your Local Council:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Housing & Local Services:
https://www.gov.uk/housing-local-and-community

Homelessness Prevention Services

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 strengthened the duties of local authorities to help prevent homelessness before crisis point is reached.

Councils may be required to take reasonable steps to help people who are:

• At risk of losing accommodation
• Facing eviction
• Experiencing housing instability
• Unable to remain safely where they live

Support may include:

• Prevention plans
• Housing advice
• Financial support referrals
• Mediation
• Temporary accommodation
• Referrals to support organisations

Early intervention is one of the most important tools in preventing homelessness.

Government Information

Homelessness Support:
https://www.gov.uk/if-youre-homeless-at-risk-of-homelessness

Homelessness Code of Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities

Rent Arrears Support

Falling behind on rent can happen for many reasons.

Common causes include:

• Benefit delays
• Income loss
• Illness
• Family separation
• Debt
• Cost of living increases
• Caring responsibilities

People struggling with rent arrears should seek support as early as possible.

Early support may help:

• Prevent eviction action
• Access financial assistance
• Reduce debt pressure
• Improve housing stability

Helpful support may include:

• Housing advice services
• Debt advice
• Council support schemes
• Discretionary Housing Payments
• Welfare rights advice

Mortgage Difficulties & Homeowners

Homeowners experiencing financial hardship may also have support options available.

People struggling with mortgage payments should contact lenders as early as possible.

Support may include:

• Temporary payment arrangements
• Mortgage support options
• Debt advice
• Financial hardship assistance

Ignoring mortgage arrears can increase risks of legal action and housing instability.

Government Information

Mortgage Support:
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home/help-if-youre-struggling-with-mortgage-payments

Families, Children & Housing Costs

Housing affordability can have major effects on family wellbeing.

Financial pressure linked to housing may affect:

• Child wellbeing
• Family stability
• Education
• Emotional wellbeing
• Housing security

Public bodies may have responsibilities under:

• Children Act 1989
• Homelessness legislation
• Safeguarding duties

Children should not experience avoidable harm because families are struggling with housing costs.

Where children are affected, councils may have additional duties to consider their welfare.

Disability, Illness & Housing Support

Disabled individuals and people with long-term health conditions may face additional housing-related costs.

These may include:

• Adaptations
• Accessibility needs
• Additional utility costs
• Support services
• Mobility-related expenses

The Equality Act 2010 and Care Act 2014 provide important protections for disabled individuals.

Support may include:

• Housing support
• Disability benefits
• Adult social care assessments
• Reasonable adjustments

Government Information

Disabled Facilities Grants:
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

Adult Social Care Assessment:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services

Domestic Abuse & Housing Costs

Financial pressure may sometimes be linked to domestic abuse or economic abuse.

People may experience:

• Financial control
• Debt created by others
• Housing insecurity
• Threats relating to accommodation
• Restricted access to money

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse.

Support may include:

• Emergency housing
• Homelessness support
• Refuge accommodation
• Financial assistance
• Safeguarding support

Government Information

Domestic Abuse Support:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

Equality Rights & Reasonable Adjustments

Public authorities, councils, and housing services may have duties under the Equality Act 2010.

People experiencing disability, illness, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, or mental health difficulties may be entitled to reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments may include:

• Accessible communication
• Flexible appointments
• Additional support during assessments
• Alternative formats
• Disability-related accommodation considerations

Equality Information

Equality Act Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Equality Advisory Support Service:
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

Emotional Wellbeing & Housing Stress

Housing insecurity can have serious emotional effects.

People may experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear of eviction
• Sleep difficulties
• Emotional exhaustion
• Isolation
• Relationship stress
• Mental health deterioration

Financial pressure linked to housing often affects much more than finances.

Seeking support early may help reduce emotional harm and improve long-term outcomes.

Emotional Support Services

NHS Mental Health Services:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mind:
https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org

Practical Advice If You Are Struggling With Housing Costs

If you are experiencing difficulties paying housing costs:

• Seek advice as early as possible
• Contact your landlord, housing provider, or lender
• Check benefit entitlement
• Apply for available support schemes
• Keep copies of letters and notices
• Record important dates
• Seek debt advice if needed
• Contact your local council before crisis point

Early action often provides more options and better outcomes.

Useful Organisations & Support Services

Citizens Advice:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Shelter:
https://england.shelter.org.uk

StepChange Debt Charity:
https://www.stepchange.org

MoneyHelper:
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Getting Support Before Crisis Point

The earlier support is sought, the greater the opportunity to:

• Prevent eviction
• Reduce rent arrears
• Access financial assistance
• Protect housing stability
• Support children and families
• Improve emotional wellbeing
• Reduce homelessness risks

No one should feel they must wait until they are facing eviction or homelessness before asking for help.

Support is available, and seeking assistance early is often one of the most important steps toward maintaining safe and stable housing.

Important Information

The information provided by Right First Time UK is for general guidance, awareness, and support purposes only.

Right First Time UK is not a housing provider, legal service, financial adviser, mortgage provider, or local authority.

Housing support entitlement, financial assistance, and legal protections vary according to individual circumstances and current legislation.

People requiring specialist legal, housing, welfare, or financial advice should seek support from qualified professionals or regulated advice organisations.

Everyone deserves access to safe housing, fair treatment, and support during periods of financial difficulty.