Financial Assistance

The welfare benefit system can provide help to owner occupiers in certain circumstances if they have become unemployed or are suffering financial hardship.

If you are in receipt of income support or Job Seekers Allowance you should inform the benefits agency of the service charges you are required to pay. You will need to send a copy of each bill you receive - including your estimated service charge, your final account and any details of proposed works. You are required to inform them of any changes to your service charge within four weeks of receipt of the demand.

For further information we suggest you call one of the following income support advice lines:

Department for work and pensions

Under 60 years of age	Over 60 years of age
0845 601 6916	0845 606 0265

Benefits agencies and debt counselling

Age Concern
Telephone: 0800 009 966
Address: Age Concern England, Astral
House, 1268 London Road,
London, SW16 4ER
www.ageconcern.org.uk

Debt helpline
Telephone: 0808 808 4000 (Freephone)
Fax: 0121 410 6230
Address: National Debtline, Tricorn House,
51-53 Hagley Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham, B16 8TP
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Financial helpline
Address: Financial Helpline Ltd, Unit 8,
Elmhurst Business Park, Park
Lane, Elmhurst, Lichfield,
WS13 8EY
Tel 0800 389 6339
Fax: 01543 263959
Website www.debtadviceline.co.uk