Jakub
I lost my job suddenly when my employer went bankrupt. I went from comfortably managing my money to not being able to pay rent. Fortunately, I was able to get financial help from the government until I was in a better position.
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Scroll down the page to view the next section 'Getting help and support'.
Key information
1. You may be able to get help towards your housing costs
The government provides help with the costs of rent and council tax to those who are not in work or earn a low income.
- The rules are complex, but you usually need to have lived and worked in the UK to make a claim
- The amount you can receive depends on your situation, for example, if you have a child
- Read more in our dedicated section ‘Financial support’
2. To claim financial support, you need to have lived and worked in the UK for some time
You will need to have ‘settled status’ or the ‘right to reside’. The rules are complex but in general, this means:
- You have lived and worked in the UK for some time, and paid taxes and other contributions
- You intend to continue living in the UK
3. Get help to check your eligibility and apply for financial support
The system is really complex and lengthy - it’s difficult to understand and navigate it alone. Get free and confidential help from a local support organisation listed in the next section. They will help you to apply for the maximum support you are entitled to.
4. ‘Social housing’ is in high demand and there is a long waiting list
Affordable housing that is managed by the local council is oversubscribed and only ‘high priority’ groups can apply:
- Priority is given to more vulnerable cases e.g. a single mother with a child
- Living in ‘social housing’ isn’t free, but rents are usually less than in private housing
5. Get help if you are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness
Support is provided by Haringey Council and other local charities (e.g. Shelter) listed in this section:
- The help they can provide depends on your personal situation - you usually need to have lived and worked in the area to get temporary housing or help to find a home
- They give general advice and information to all people regardless of immigration status
Getting help and support
London is an expensive place to live, so many people need government support to pay their rent and bills. The ‘benefits’ system is complex and difficult to navigate alone. Get free and confidential help from a local support organisation to:
- Check your eligibility
- Help you to apply for the maximum support