Can I get help with the cost of my service charges?

HB will cover the costs of service charges as long as payment is a condition of occupying the accommodation, for example charges like general management costs and rubbish removal are included. Things like food are not included.

Who helps with my support costs?

If you live in supported accommodation HB will help you pay your rent but not support services provided with your accommodation. The council will fund your landlord to provide the support.

Short-term services (those which are intended to last for up to two years) are provided free of charge.

If you're receiving a support package over a period of more than two years this support will be free of charge for as long as you're receiving HB. If you're not getting HB and you're being charged for support services you'll need to apply for ‘relief from charging’, from the council.

I need to pay a month’s rent in advance, can I get help with this?

If you've been getting IS or income-based JSA for 26 weeks or more you may be awarded a Budgeting Loan to pay rent in advance. If you haven't you can claim a Crisis Loan to help you with this cost.
For more information about Budgeting/Crisis Loans see the ‘Social Fund’ section.

Can I get help with the costs of a deposit?
You can't claim for a deposit from the Social Fund.