Your home, housing and Council Tax

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:

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

Adur and Worthing Councils have detailed advice on what to do if you can't 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

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:

Claim Council Tax Support

If you are on a low income then you may be able to get help to pay your Council Tax:

Council Tax discounts

If you are over 18 and live alone, you might be able to claim a Single Person Discount on your Council Tax. Our website also lists other Council Tax discounts for different groups of people including students, student nurses, apprentices, carers, and people with disabilities:

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Page last updated: 06 December 2022

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