Alliance Homes: Financial advice

I'm worried about paying rent

We always want to help our customers sustain their tenancy, so if you’re having concerns about paying your rent, please do talk to us as soon as you can so we can discuss your individual situation.

We’ll work with you to find an affordable solution if you’re experiencing financial difficulty.

To help tenants the notice period for evictions has been extended to six months which came into effect from 29 August 2020.

What does this notice period mean?

This means that any landlord issuing a notice to seek possession will need to give the tenant six months’ notice, unless:

At least six months' rent is unpaid, a four week notice period can be applied.
The eviction relates to anti-social behaviour, domestic violence or acquiring the tenancy as a result of fraud. The same notice period that was in force before the coronavirus eviction ban can be applied.

You can find more information for tenants here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Landlords and Tenants

I can't work because of coronavirus

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

If you can't work because of having coronavirus or because your following government advice on self isolating, your entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

To qualify for SSP youmust:

have an employment contract
have done some work under their contract
have been sick for 4 or more days in a row (including non-working days) - known as a ‘period of incapacity for work’
earn an average of at least £120 per week
give you the correct notice
give you proof of their illness, only after 7 days off

You can find out more about SSP on the GOV Website.

Test and Trace Support Payment

The Government has also introduced a 'Test and trace support payment'

you may be eligible to receive this if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate
you live in England
you’re on a low income
you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result

To apply for this support payment, you'll have to contact your local council.

I'm not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay

I'm self employed and can't work

If you're self employed and can't work because of having coronavirus or because your following government advice on self isolating, your likely to be eligible for Universal Credit.

You can apply for Universal Credit online.

The DWP from 6 April 2020 have relaxed the Minimum Income Floor for all self-employed claimants affected by the economic impact of COVID 19. This means that self-employed claimants will be supported by basing their Universal Credit award on their actual earnings.

Help claiming benefits

We can support you to claim any benefits you’re entitled to during this time if you’re unable to work or you’re not getting paid.

If you’re already in receipt of housing benefits or Universal Credit your housing cost will continue to be paid and it’s important that you use this to continue to pay your rent as normal.

If you’ve been working and your situation has now changed, please do let us know so we can help put a plan in place to help you through this time.

For more information about claiming benefits visit www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses

Money advice