Having difficulty paying your rent and debt advice

If you are having difficulty paying your rent, tell us straight away to see how we can help you. Please don’t ignore the situation quick action could prevent your problems getting worse. Please call us on 020 7364 5015 and ask to speak to your rents arrears officer who can:

Refer you to specialist money and debt advisors.

Suggest other money and debt advice.

Help you get the most out of your benefit and tax credits.

Find help to open a bank account.

Or for more information visit the money advice service for free, clear advice to help you manage your money.

Specialist money and debt advisors

We can refer you to specialist advisors who offer free, confidential, independent advice on debt and money management.

We can refer you to:

• Tower Hamlets Floating Support Service
• LBTH Money Advice Service (Tenants only)
• Limehouse Project
• Account 3

We will work with you and any agency that supports you to pay your rent or service charges. To find out more please contact us.

Other local money and debt advice

There are several other advice agencies in Tower Hamlets that provide general and specialist advice. These are:

The National debt Line offers free, confidential and independent help over the phone. You can call their helpline on 0808 808 4000 or download various publications from their website www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

The consumer credit counselling service (CCCS) offers free, confidential independent advice to people who have debt problems. You can call them on 0800 138 1111 or visit their website www.cccs.co.uk

Benefits and Tax Credits

We can help you make sure that you are claiming all of the benefits that you are entitled to by referring you to an advice agency who will look at your individual situation and help you figure out if you are entitled to any benefits or tax credits.

You can check if you are eligible for a housing benefit online with the housing benefit calculator.

Help opening a bank account

We are working with Tower Hamlets Community Credit Union to provide bank accounts for residents with a bad credit rating.  These bank accounts gives you the ability to:

• pay for goods in most stores using a debit card
• pay your bills by direct debit or standing order
• a safer place your benefits or wages to be paid into.

The credit union may also be able to offer you a loan.

To find out further information about opening a basic bank account at the Credit Union contact them on 020 7729 9218 or visit their website at www.thccu.co.uk.

The credit union have offices in Roman Road Market, Chrisp Street Market and on Bethnal Green Road.