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Rent or mortgage advice

Rental costs

You can get help towards paying your rent through Housing Benefit if you are:

  • state pension age, or
  • in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation

Read more about Housing Benefit on GOV.UK.

If you are of working age and making a new claim for benefits, you will usually need to apply for Housing Benefit through Universal Credit. You can also apply for Council Tax Reduction.

Over the next few years, people of working age who already get benefits will move over to Universal Credit.

If you are still struggling to pay your rent

If you get help with your rent through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but still cannot afford to pay all your rent, you may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment.

This payment can help if:

  • your benefit has been reduced, for example because of the bedroom rules or the benefit cap
  • you have other changes that mean you get less money
  • you need help with moving costs

Find out more about Discretionary Housing Payments on GOV.UK.

Mortgage costs

Contact your mortgage lender as soon as you can if you are worried about paying your mortgage. Your lender can be more helpful if you tell them about problems early on.

If your home is at risk, you are entitled to free, early legal advice.

You might be missing out on help you are entitled to.

The Better Off Calculator is a quick way to check. You do not need to provide lots of details. Just answer what you can.

The calculator:

  • asks 8 short questions
  • takes about 3 minutes to complete

Get help towards interest payments on mortgages or loans

If you are a homeowner on qualifying benefits, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you have taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home. 

Find out more about support for mortgage interest on GOV.UK.

Further housing, rent and mortgage advice

Shelter have advice and guidance about:

Community Law Service provides free, independent, confidential housing advice for West Northamptonshire residents who qualify.

Information and guidance on renting in West Northamptonshire can be found on our housing pages.

Last updated 27 March 2026