Help with housing costs

Whether you rent or own your home, your local council can offer advice on housing issues, including how to find temporary accommodation if the property you live in is due to be sold or you are threatened with eviction. You can also get free, independent advice about any housing problem from Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity. Call Shelter's free national housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444, or visit http://www.shelter.org/.

If you are on a low income, Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance in some areas) and Council Tax Benefit can help towards your rent and Council Tax. Your local council pays them. You do not have to be receiving any other benefits to qualify for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. Housing Benefit does not cover all your housing costs. The contact details for your local council are in the phone book and at www.direct.gov.uk.

If you qualify for Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit and are a homeowner, you may be able to get help towards your mortgage interest payments and some other housing costs.You can ask about the help you might be eligible for by contacting Jobcentre Plus or The Pension Service.

If you own or privately rent your home, you might be eligible for help with heating or insulation. For information on the schemes available in England, Scotland and Wales, look under 'Housing' in 'Useful contacts'.