Rent and service charges
Rent
Getting help with your rent
If you are on a low income, unemployed, disabled, have a pension or receive other state benefits, you may qualify for help with your rent in the form of Housing Benefit.
Ask about this when you start your tenancy or if your circumstances change. There is also a benefits calculator on the benefits page of the Enfield Council website.
Enfield Council is responsible for paying Housing Benefit but Enfield Homes staff can give you advice and help you to complete the application forms. It is very important that you claim Housing Benefit as soon as you think you may be entitled to it as claims are not automatically backdated.
If you get Housing Benefit, you must tell Enfield Council about any changes in your circumstances that may affect your entitlement, such as an increase in earnings or someone moving into your home. If the council pays you too much Housing Benefit, you are responsible for paying it back.
You should also reply promptly to any letters from Enfield Council’s benefit service – don’t ignore them. If you do ignore them, your benefits may be
cancelled. If you are in arrears and are waiting for Housing Benefit, tell the income collection team or your Sheltered Housing Estate Manager. Claims should be sorted out within 4 weeks of the Housing Benefit office receiving your claim form and the proof they need.
The proof needed is explained on your Housing Benefit form. The income collection team may be able to calculate whether you are entitled to Housing Benefit. If you are behind with your rent, we will not usually take action if we know that you are waiting for a claim to be sorted out, and you are making payments. You can get advice from Enfield Council’s Housing Benefit section by calling 020 8379 3798 or visiting one of the following offices:
- John Wilkes House
- The Civic Centre.
You can also get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau and you can visit the Edmonton Centre to pick up forms or hand in documents. Click the link below for the numbers and addresses of local offices.
Contact us