Behind on rent, or struggling with Universal Credit housing costs? You have options, and free help. Here is what to do first and who to call before things get worse.
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Direct answer
If you are behind on rent or your housing payments are not covering it, act early, do not wait and hope. You may be able to get more help with your housing costs, and there is free, confidential advice to sort out arrears before they reach the point of eviction. Start with Citizens Advice and, for debt, StepChange on 0800 138 1111. This is not something Support for Tenants handles, but if your home is also in disrepair, that may be a claim, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Where your housing money can come from
- Universal Credit housing element. Most working-age renters get help with rent through the housing part of Universal Credit. If your rent or circumstances change, tell them, the amount can change.
- Housing Benefit. Some people (for example, certain pensioners or those in supported housing) still get Housing Benefit from the council instead.
- Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). If your benefits do not cover your rent, you can ask the council for a Discretionary Housing Payment. It is extra, short-term help to cover a gap.
You can check what you may be entitled to on GOV.UK Universal Credit or with a free benefits check from Citizens Advice.
What to do about arrears
- Do not ignore it. Arrears grow fast. The earlier you get help, the more options you have.
- Talk to your landlord in writing and ask to agree a realistic payment plan.
- Get a free benefits check from Citizens Advice, you may be missing money you are owed.
- Ask the council about a Discretionary Housing Payment.
- Get free debt advice from StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice.
If a landlord tries to evict you for arrears, remember the rules have tightened, and arrears caused only by a delay in your Universal Credit housing payment do not count towards the main arrears ground. See Section 8 eviction explained.
Where we fit in
Support for Tenants helps with housing disrepair claims, not benefits or debt. For those, Citizens Advice, StepChange, and the council are the right people, and being in arrears does not, on its own, stop a disrepair claim. If your landlord has ignored damp, mould, leaks, or broken heating, you may have a claim. Call us free on 0800 030 4669, send the short form, or message us on WhatsApp. See also where to get other housing help.
Sources
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 24 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.