Get help with housing costs

If you think you will have difficulty paying your rent, you should contact your landlord as soon as possible. By getting in touch, they may be able to help you.

In some circumstances, you may be entitled to help with your housing costs.

Discretionary Housing Payments 

Discretionary Housing Payments are available to both social and private sector tenants. Discretionary Housing Payments provide money in addition to any benefits you receive.

You may get this support if your local authority decides that you need extra help to meet your housing costs.

To be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:

• the old scheme Housing Benefit
• the housing cost contribution element through Universal Credit

To apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, contact your local authority.

If you think you will have difficulty paying your mortgage, you should contact your lender as soon as possible. By getting in touch, they may be able to help you.

Help to Stay – Wales

If you are a homeowner, you may be able to get support from the Help to Stay – Wales scheme.

The scheme can provide eligible applicants with a shared equity loan to help reduce their mortgage payments to an affordable level.

Find out more about Help to Stay – Wales.

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

If you’re a homeowner, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on:

• your mortgage
• loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home

This help is called Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).

Find out more about Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) on GOV.UK

If you are not in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing cost contribution element through Universal Credit, but are of working age, on a low income and are struggling with housing related costs, your local authority may be able to assist to prevent you becoming homeless.

To find out more about support you may be eligible for, please contact your local authority.