Title: Tenants May Be Missing Out On Help With Rent

Date: 14/04/08

The Gateshead Housing Company is offering advice to people who could be getting help towards paying their rent every week.

The company, which manages over 22,000 homes, is targeting tenants who haven’t applied for housing benefits because they think they won’t qualify for them.

In particular, this applies to households where a family member is working or receiving other benefits, with tenants simply assuming they won’t get any help.

Help with rent is still available to households where a family member is:

• Receiving pension credit

• Aged 16 to 17

• Aged 18 to 24 and receiving Income Support

• Aged 18 to 24 and receiving Income-based Jobseekers Allowance

• A full-time student, working less than 16 hours during summer holidays.

• Working over 16 hours a week.

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of The Gateshead Housing Company said: “Many more people are entitled to housing and council tax benefits than actually claim for them.

“So, I would encourage tenants to find out more about the possible help on offer towards their weekly rent.”

To find out more contact offices of The Gateshead Housing Company or Gateshead Council's Benefits' Team on 0191 433 4646.

Free guides to ‘Rent and Benefits' are also available at the company's offices, or online at www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/publications

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