What we can help with
If you'd like to know more about any of the above, or if you need our help, you can email us at wellbeing@redkitehousing.org.uk, or fill in our simple online form.
Our Tenancy Sustainment and Wellbeing team are here to help you if you are having problems paying your rent.
How we've helped
See how we've recently helped tenants by reading our case studies.
Pension credit
Pension credit provides support for various household expenses - however, many people are unaware of this benefit and are not claiming the support they are entitled to. According to the government, only about 60% of eligible pensioners are claiming pension credit nationwide. This means that four out of 10 eligible pensioners are missing out on benefits of up to £3,900 a year. Are you one of them?
To learn more about pension credit, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Buckinghamshire Council's website.
If you are a Buckinghamshire resident, the council’s Helping Hand service offers support for those who may not qualify for pension credit but are still facing financial difficulties. The team can provide emergency support, practical guidance, or contact details for other organisations that offer food support or specialist advice.
Housing benefit and time away from your home
If you are going away for more than four weeks, please make sure that you tell your local authority beforehand, so that you avoid claiming benefits you are not entitled to, which would be regarded as benefit fraud.
There are certain circumstances where the four-week period can be extended, but this decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Buckinghamshire
South Oxfordshire
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM)
Please note that it is your responsibility to notify the council of any absence.
More information on how benefits are affected if you or someone you live with goes away temporarily can be found on the Citizens Advice website.
The important thing to do is to talk about your situation before you go away, so that you are clear on the impact it will have on your benefits.
It is also your responsibility to pay your own rent, even if you have help from housing benefit to cover the cost. If your benefits stop when you are away from home, your rent payments must continue.
Are you benefit-capped?
Understanding the benefit cap
The benefit cap limits the total amount of certain benefits that working age households can receive. The cap is set by the government and applies regardless of a household's actual housing costs or financial commitments.
Who is affected?
The benefit cap can affect households receiving benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, particularly those with:
- Children and larger families
- High rental costs
- Limited income from employment.
Some households are exempt from the cap, including those where a member receives certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance, or where the claimant's earnings from work are above a specified level.
How does the benefit cap affect tenants?
When the benefit cap is applied, the amount of benefit a household receives is reduced. This can create a shortfall between the rent due and the housing support available, increasing the risk of rent arrears and financial hardship.
What can tenants do if they are affected?
If you think you may be affected by the benefit cap, it's important to seek support as early as possible. Options include:
- Checking whether you qualify for any exemptions
- Increasing household income through employment, where possible
- Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) through your local council
- Reviewing your household budget and accessing debt or money advice services
- Speaking to our Tenancy Sustainment and Wellbeing Team for support and guidance.
Our Tenancy Sustainment and Wellbeing team is here to help. If you are worried about paying your rent or have received notification that your benefits have changed, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss what support there is available.
Digital savings calculator
The Money Advice Service have put together a digital savings calculator that you can use to work out how well you're budgeting currently. It will also give you pointers on how you can improve your budgeting.
Need some support?
If you'd like some support, or to talk to someone, fill in this simple form: