Your home and housing
Housing Benefit
If you are on a low income and need help to pay your rent, in most cases this is now incorporated in your Universal Credit payment from the Department for Work & Pensions.
You will still need to apply to the councils for Housing Benefit if you are of state pension age and you live in supported or temporary accommodation or you have a legacy benefit. There are eligibility criteria based on the type of housing you live in, and Housing Benefit can't help with mortgage costs.
This site provides more detailed information about the councils' Housing Benefit scheme and how to apply:
See also:
Rent assistance
Crisis & Resilience Fund Housing Payments (CRF-HP) are additional payments towards rent if you are suffering financial hardship. The CRF-HP is administered under the Crisis & Resilience Fund and replaced the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) in April 2026. The procedures and eligibility rules for the CRF-HP remain identical to those previously used for the DHP.
What to do if you are struggling to pay your rent
If you are a tenant and are having problems paying your rent, it's important to get advice quickly so that you don't fall behind.
Housing charity Shelter and Citizens Advice have some information that could help:
- How to deal with rent arrears - on the Shelter website
- Private renting - on the Shelter website
- Housing advice (renting) - on the Citizens Advice website
If you are facing eviction and homelessness, Adur and Worthing have more detailed advice:
What to do if you are struggling to pay your mortgage
Try to get help before you fall behind with your mortgage payments - you might be able to negotiate a new repayment plan. Speak to your mortgage lender and also the following organisations can help.
The following websites also offer help and advice:
Page last updated: 13 October 2026