Here For You - Sevenoaks District Council, Part 1

HOUSING COSTS

Whether you’re a tenant in the social sector or private sector or you have a mortgage, it’s important that you talk to your landlord or lender at the earliest opportunity if you think you will have difficulty paying your rent and bills, as they may be able to help you. You could also be entitled to the following to help with your housing costs:

Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments (this applies to both social and private sector tenants). These can provide extra money when your local authority decides that you need extra help to meet your housing costs on top of what benefit support you already receive through the DWP. To get a Discretionary Housing Payment, you will need to either already be receiving the old scheme Housing Benefit or the housing contribution element through Universal Credit. To access a Discretionary Housing Payment, please visit http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk for further details.

Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction may be available if your household is on a low income. You could receive support towards some or all of your Council Tax bill. To find out more, please visit http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk for further details.

Household Bills

Help with your utility bills Most utility companies offer help if you are struggling with your bills, including payment plans. Most water companies also offer discounts for households on low incomes. Speak with your suppliers or if you live in Kent, visit http://www.kent.gov.uk and search for energy financial support for advice about your energy bill.

Reducing your energy costs

Homeowners with incomes below £30,000 (or £20,000 after housing costs), may be eligible for a grant worth up to £10,000 to improve home energy efficiency, helping to lower their energy use. The funding typically pays for home insulation and new heating systems. To find out more, including eligibility, visit https://surveys.est.org.uk/s/SustainableWarmth

Smart energy meters can also help manage your energy use. If you don’t have one already, contact your energy supplier to arrange an installation.

Broadband and phone

Along with our other bills, broadband and phone costs have spiralled recently. Not all of us regularly switch supplier, but it’s worth comparing as you could save hundreds of pounds over the year. Try one of the utility comparison websites.

Kent Household Support Fund

Kent County Council is supporting local councils to support households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills, such as gas, electricity and water, over the summer period up to 30 September. To find out more information and to see if you’re eligible, please visit http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk for further details.

Food banks

Charities that provide food to people on low incomes. If you live in Kent, you can find your local food bank at www.kent.gov.uk and search for Find a food bank.

Free School Meals

If your child is in year 2 or below, they can get free school meals. Speak to your child's school or apply online at www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/kent If your child is below 19 years of age and in full-time education, they may be eligible for free school meals. If you live in Kent, find out more at www.kent.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals.http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk