Here are some facts that answer some of the misconceptions regarding payment of rent.
Myth: you must wait until the day you are evicted to get help from us
The truth:
- You do not need to wait for a bailiff warrant, or the day of your eviction to ask for help from Housing Options.
- Under a homelessness prevention duty, you can get help on the day your landlord serves you notice.
- If you have not been served with an eviction notice, but think you are struggling to keep up with your rent, we still may be able to help you stay in your home.
- You can also get advice if you have a mortgage and are at risk of repossession.
Myth: you do not have to pay the rent if you are served an eviction notice
The truth:
- You must pay your rent the entire time you have a tenancy agreement.
- If you are served an eviction notice you should continue to pay your rent.
Myth: you do not have to pay the rent if the property is in disrepair
The truth:
- Disrepair in your property is not a reason to not pay your rent.
- If you are having issues with disrepair and your landlord is not making the repairs, we can help.
Myth: private landlords do not accept people on benefits
The truth:
- There are many landlords and letting agents in Medway who accept tenants on Universal Credit.
- Housing Options successfully signed up over 350 private rented tenancies last year.
Myth: Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing element pays all the rent
The truth:
- Sometimes, your rent will be more money than the maximum housing element will cover.
- The maximum amount of housing element someone in Medway can receive is:
|
Size |
Weekly amount |
Monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
|
shared accommodation |
£72.84 |
£315.64 |
|
one-bedroom |
£136.93 |
£593.36 |
|
2-bedroom |
£172.60 |
£747.93 |
|
3-bedroom |
£195.62 |
£847.69 |
|
4-bedroom |
£276.16 |
£1,196.69 |
Myth: you cannot make a claim for Universal Credit if you do not have proof of identity
The truth:
- You can still make a claim if you do not have identity documents, the jobcentre will find other ways to verify your identity.
Myth: you cannot claim Universal Credit if you do not have a bank account
The truth:
- A claim can still be made without a bank account.
- You can use an account of someone you trust.
- Jobcentres can make payments (for a short time) by voucher or a QR code sent to a smart phone.
Myth: you cannot claim Universal Credit if you do not have an email account
The truth:
- When making a claim, you will be asked to choose:
- a username
- a password
- 2 security questions, for example: where you were born.
Myth: you cannot claim Universal Credit if you do not have a mobile phone to receive text codes
The truth:
- An email can be sent instead of a text.
Myth: you must wait weeks with no money before you get a payment
The truth:
- Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, but if needed an advance payment can be applied for. This can be paid back over 2 years.
Myth: you are expected to find work while you are homeless or living on the street
The truth:
- Some time can be put in place by jobcentres if you are homeless. You will not have to look for work while you sort out accommodation.
Myth: you know the receptionist at the clinic, and they will tell all your friends
The truth:
- All information about you is strictly private and can only be shared when needed with other professionals and agencies involved in your care.
- If we need to share your information, we will discuss this with you. To find out more visit privacy and dignity on the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust site.
Myth: Turning Point is only for people who are drug or alcohol dependant
The truth:
- Turning Point is for anyone who feels they need support with substance misuse no matter if they are dependant or not.
- If you are unsure if you need help regarding drug or alcohol misuse you should contact the service for advice.
Myth: Turning Point support is all done in group sessions
The truth:
- Turning Point offer group sessions because evidence suggests it is effective when supporting service users with substance misuse. However, there is also one-to-one support for people who cannot attend group sessions.
Myth: Turning Point support is now only online
The truth:
- There is online support, but the service has continued to deliver face to face support during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Myth: you cannot attend Turning Point if you have mobility issues as it’s not accessible
The truth:
- If you have mobility issues, someone from the team can arrange to meet you at home or at a local amenity rather than at the service.