Money Support
We can help you make the most out of your money by providing expert financial support from budgeting and benefits to insurance and energy advice.
Read the full Arrears Management, Customer Vulnerability or Service Charge policy or our summarised versions below.
Latest support
Journal Update Reminder
If you receive help with your housing costs through Universal Credit you will need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions of these changes on your online journal, as soon as possible after 1 April 2024. If you do not make this update before the end of the assessment period, you may not be eligible for any backdated benefit entitlement to cover the rent increase. If you are unsure how to do it or how this affects you, get in touch.
Managed Migration
The Department for Work and Pensions has published the timetable for migrating people who receive certain benefits onto Universal Credit. Find out more and request support with your claim, by visiting Managed Migration.
Debt support
As one of our tenants, you can get priority service from our partners at debt charity Durham Christian Poverty. They offer free expert advice to help you deal with debt problems and get the support you need.
Universal Credit
Changes to Universal Credit in November 2021 means that some employed people may now be entitled to Universal Credit for the first time. Check if you are eligible with MoneyHelper's benefit and budgeting calculator.
If you are still unsure contact our specialist money support team who can help you.
Money support appointments
We can arrange confidential money support advice sessions to help you deal with the rising cost of living.
Get in touch using our form to organise a date and time that is suitable for you.
Household support
The Government provides money to local authorities to support households struggling with the cost of living. Find out how your local authority can help you.
Cost of living loans
To help you access affordable credit we’ve teamed up with the North East First Credit Union to offer interest-free loans of up to £350 to help with rising costs of living. This loan can help you with fuel bills, food costs or one-off payments that we know can really impact finances.
To apply, contact the Credit Union on 0330 055 3666 and quote "LIVIN", or contact us for money support.
Budgeting support
Use MoneyHelper's 'budget planner' tool to help you know exactly where your money is being spent, and how much you’ve got coming in. If you need any further support, please get in touch by completing our money support form.
Work and training support
Our Livin Futures team can support you into employment to help your financial situation, from free training opportunities to matching you with local job vacancies and improving your job hunting skills.
Increasing energy prices
We can help and support you to reduce your energy bills following the recent energy cap increase.
Ways we're helping you
You may think getting in touch with us to talk about your money and your rent will not help. But it really doesn't take much to get your money back on track. See the people we have already helped and how we did this.
Local foodbanks
If you are struggling to buy food because of financial difficulties or you are ill or vulnerable, we want to help.
Our commitment to supporting you
We support the National Housing Federation’s position on evictions and support for residents. We’ll act quickly and compassionately if you tell us you are struggling, and we only take legal action as a last resort.
You can get local face to face or telephone debt advice at Citizens Advice County Durham or Community Money Advice County Durham.
What is the Breathing Space Scheme?
The new scheme has been introduced for anyone struggling with debt. Breathing Space allows you to apply to stop all debt collection whilst you get professional debt advice. A Breathing Space will normally last for 60 days but can be longer if you are getting treatment for mental health problems.