If you are worried about money or struggling to pay your rent or other bills, please speak to us.
Financial difficulties can happen for many reasons. You may have had a change in your income or benefits, an unexpected expense, or simply be finding that your money does not stretch as far as it used to.
The earlier you contact us, the more opportunity we have to help. We can discuss your rent account with you, provide information about benefits and financial support, and signpost you to specialist organisations where needed.
Ask for financial support or advice by emailing us at housing@innisfree.org.uk
If you are struggling to pay your rent, please contact us as soon as possible.
Do not wait until you have built up significant rent arrears before asking for help.
Our Income Management Officer can talk to you about your circumstances, your rent account and what support may be available.
Contact our Income Management Officer here housing@innisfree.org.uk
Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to:
Rent arrears happen when the amount due on your rent account has not been paid.
If you fall behind with your rent, please do not ignore the problem.
Our aim is to work with you to address the problem as early as possible.
However, paying your rent is a condition of your tenancy and continued rent arrears can ultimately put your tenancy at risk, so it is important to seek help early. Innisfree’s existing rent guidance similarly emphasises early contact and says residents should respond to letters, calls, texts, emails and appointments about arrears.
Depending on your income and circumstances, you may be entitled to Universal Credit or other financial support. Universal Credit can include an amount towards your housing costs.
Innisfree can provide information about welfare benefits and help residents complete Universal Credit forms where requested. If you receive help towards your rent, it remains important to check your rent account and tell us if there is a problem with your benefit claim or payment.
You should also report changes in your circumstances promptly to the relevant benefit service.
If a benefit payment that normally contributes towards your rent has stopped, been reduced or been delayed, please act quickly.
Check your benefit account or contact the organisation responsible for your claim to find out what has happened. If they ask you for information or evidence, provide this as soon as you can.
Please also tell Innisfree if the problem is affecting your ability to pay your rent.
Your local council may provide financial assistance or other support for residents experiencing hardship.
The help available varies between councils and may depend on your circumstances.
This could include local welfare assistance, help with essential costs or other hardship support.
Because Innisfree residents live across a number of London boroughs and Hertfordshire, the support available will depend on where you live. Innisfree has previously signposted residents to hardship schemes operated by the different councils in which we have homes.
If you are struggling with several debts or bills, independent money and debt advice may help.
A specialist adviser can help you:
Innisfree can signpost you to independent organisations that provide financial advice and guidance.
If you are struggling with gas, electricity, water or other household bills, support may be available.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include help from your supplier, government schemes, local authority support or specialist energy and debt advice.
Innisfree has previously worked with specialist energy advisers to help residents access advice about reducing energy costs, managing fuel debt and identifying financial assistance.
Because schemes and eligibility can change, we recommend that you speak to us so we can point you in the right direction.
If a change is needed because of a disability, health condition or reduced mobility, speak to us about an aid or adaptation.
If you want to alter or improve the property yourself, speak to us about permission for a home improvement.
If you are unsure, contact your Housing Officer and we will help you identify the right process.
Even if you are working, you may be entitled to financial support depending on your income and circumstances.
An independent benefits calculator can help you check:
You can also contact us if you need help understanding how your benefits relate to your rent account.
Please still contact us. Talking to us about financial difficulties will not make the problem worse. The earlier we understand what is happening, the sooner we can discuss your rent account and the support or options that may be available.
Ignoring rent arrears will not make them disappear and may ultimately put your tenancy at risk.
If you need support communicating with us about your rent or finances, please tell us. You can ask us about communication support or reasonable adjustments.
You may also want somebody you trust to support you when dealing with your finances or communicating with organisations. Where you want another person to deal with Innisfree on your behalf, we may need your permission before we can discuss information about your account with them.
Financial difficulties sometimes happen alongside other problems. If you need help because of something happening in your home or personal circumstances, other support may also be available.
John Delahunty, CEO of Innisfree, has co-signed a letter to the new
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