Affordable rent and how to pay - Plymouth Community Homes

FAQ Affordable v3:Layout 1 1/2/12 16:45 Page 6
When are the rent-free weeks?
We ask you to pay your rent for the
whole year over 50 weeks rather
than 52. The ʻrent-free weeksʼ will be
the weeks starting the 2 April and 24
December 2012. If you pay your rent
by Direct Debit monthly then the
rent for the year is paid in 12 equal
instalments. The amount you pay
for the full year will be the same as
paying by other payment methods.
If you are in arrears of rent, have a
court order, or another arrangement
to clear arrears, you will still be
expected to make payments during
these weeks.
How do I apply for Housing
Benefit?
If you have a low income and do not
get any help to pay your rent at
present, you may be entitled to
Housing Benefit. You can get an
application form from any housing
office, or from the city council
Housing Benefit Office in the Civic
Centre.
I am receiving Housing Benefit.
Do I need to reapply?
IF YOU RECEIVE HOUSING
BENEFIT NOW, YOU DO NOT
NEED TO REAPPLY.
You will receive a letter from the
Benefits Service that will give details
of your new benefit entitlement and
the revised amount you should pay
each week.
What if I fall behind with my rent
or service charges?
If you are having difficulty in paying
your rent, please contact your
housing officer as soon as possible.
Do not ignore it. The problem will
only become worse. Our staff will do
their best to help you and provide
advice.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO
IGNORE LETTERS SENT TO YOU.
Even if you have applied for help to
pay your rent before, but did not
qualify for Housing Benefit, it is
worthwhile applying again. If you
wish to make a claim, you will need
to provide proof of your identity,
income and savings – you can bring
this, with your application, to your
local housing office for checking.
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