Housing assistance and help for rent arrears in Liverpool

Individuals facing a hardship in Liverpool may be able to receive emergency rental or housing payment assistance. However, all funding is limited and many people may not qualify. Therefore, additional support may be provided in the form of counselling. This can include free legal advice to prevent evictions and referrals to other benefits or schemes to help pay housing or rent arrears costs.

Financial aid is often targeted at low income families or individuals that are facing a short term crisis. There may also be help available for older people, the disabled, and those facing eviction from their current accommodations. Rent help can be given to families in social housing or in a private rented property in Liverpool. If a center or charity can’t assist you, then referrals or other advice may be offered.

Some of the leading organisations in Liverpool to contact for information and support in an emergency are below. There are no guarantee that anyone will receive help with paying their rent or other aid. All support is offered at the discretion of the organisation. However the agencies may have other suggestions as well.

Housing assistance from not-for-profits in Liverpool

Charities may from time to time have funds for helping with rent arrears, however the funds are limited. Most of the support from a not-for-profit organisation will instead be provided in the form of advice or referrals, but in either case these can be a resource for struggling tenants to contact.

Age Concern of Liverpool and Sefton will have advice for people over the age of 50 only. They also can coordinate legal clinics, will help with housing issues, eviction prevention services, and more. There may be referrals to agencies for direct payments, including for rental costs. They offer extensive Information and Advice to applicants. Address is 5 Sir Thomas Street, Liverpool, L1 6BW, Phone – 0151 236 4440.

Shelters as well as hostels also operate in Liverpool. These are not direct financial help, but rather can assist people that are homeless. In addition, a shelter or temporary housing will allow the client time to save money to pay future rental costs. There are many temporary housing schemes in the city of Liverpool that can support the low income and poor.

Partners Credit Union can provide tenants access to low interest loans and provide support to customers on the Universal Credit, and this includes Jam Jar accounts and budgeting support. The lenders operates as a low cost, not-for-profit in the Liverpool area and provide many forms of financial support to members. Learn how Partners Credit Union services can help with  housing challenges and other needs.

University of Liverpool Law Clinic is available, but it may fill up. Qualified lawyers and students provide free legal help with housing disputes, can help address rent or debt arrears, and assist with many other needs. Only civil litigation is available, but they do cover consumer and tenant issues as well for those that are found to be eligible. Eviction defense is always available. Advice will be offered once they have suggestions. Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford St South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, call 0151 794 5782 for an appointment.

William Johnston Trust Fund is a grant charity programme. While priority is for the elderly in Liverpool, others can apply. It is a onetime grant, and funds could be used for rent. There are limitations in place. Rathbones, Port of Liverpool Building, Liverpool, L3 1NW, Telephone number is 0151 236 6666.

Riverside Credit Union can also provide low cost loans, funds, and other money that can be used to pay for housing costs. The main office is at Woodend Ave, Speke, Liverpool L24 9HZ,  The funds will have a low APR. Borrowers can use the funds for rent, utility bills, moving costs, or any other costs they have.  Or call the credit union at 151 448 0565.

Wirral Housing Options operates various schemes, homeless prevention, and other services for both tenants and landlords in the area. Staff can help people apply for benefits for housing payments, get referrals or applications for rent help, and more. Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, CH44 8ED, Phone: 0151 666 4463.

Rent help from councils and government schemes

For residents that are facing a one time crisis and that are out of options, the council or local housing authorities may have funds for paying rent or even a mortgage. There are a few locations in Liverpool to call upon or drop in at, and they provide everything from welfare assistance to funds from DHP.

Citizens Support Scheme may be able to provide funds, or a short term loan, in a crisis to residents that are facing eviction. Most of the assistance for housing payments is for people that have had a reduction in their benefits, or that are now on the Universal Credit and are struggling to pay their rent with other bills. Call Benefits Service at 0800 456 1523, or read more Awards from Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme.



Liverpool Central CAB – The agency will offer information and advice on various housing issues and needs. The assistance and services provided are free. This can include information on potential rent progammes or payment plans, housing or welfare benefits, and other aid. A solicitor for legal advice is also available by appointment.

While significant information is available, specialists from Liverpool CAB do also focus on housing and homeless prevention too. The client will get suggestions and guidance on their options, as well as referrals if needed. So direct aid for saying rent arrears is not offered, but instead people get referrals. However, advisers can help with some actions, such as representation, writing letters, and similar activities. 2nd Floor, 1 Union Court, Cook Street, Liverpool, L2 4SJ, Phone, 0844 848 7700.

Liverpool City Council – There are several services offered for people that owe rent arrears or that are threatened with homelessness. They can get advice, mediation with landlords, and information on various schemes.

Another key resource is the Liverpool Discretionary Housing Payments. This is a form of Extra Help if the housing benefit does not meet your entire need. There are no guarantees, and the aid is for a crisis only. The clients will need to go through a financial review, prove their hardship, and have a plan in place for financial stability. It is short term in nature, and if someone’s current tenancy is at risk.

The Discretionary Housing Payment may be an option for households that are impacted by a disability or illness, foster homes, or some other onetime unexpected emergency. Funds from the council will not be paid for excessive rent, and as noted there are many other limitations. Another use of the DHP is for residents of the city impacted by benefit cuts and that are now on the Universal Credit, and the address of the council is Municipal Building, Dale Street, Liverpool, L69 2DQ, telephone 0800 731 6844. Or find more details on the Liverpool Discretionary Housing Payment.

Additional housing assistance is available from the government too. The council will help families or individuals locate a safe home or flat to live in. They also offer bonds as well as loans to pay either the rental arrears or a deposit. The best place to apply for this type of support is the council. Learn more on housing assistance schemes from the Liverpool council.


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