How can I make paying your bills easier
At present, the Benefits Service do not provide debt or money advice but we have listed some details below that you may find helpful
Maybe I could reduce my mortgage payments?
You should always pay your full mortgage instalments or you will put your home at risk.
However, if you are struggling financially and don’t think you will be able to make your regular instalment, it is important that you let your lender know straight away. Most lenders recognise that people can go through periods of financial hardship and are usually quite helpful in offering solutions to avoid arrears and the build -up of debt.
Check whether you have Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance because if you lose your job or become sick and unable to work, you may be able to claim against your policy. These policies usually have a time limit to claim, so make sure you act promptly.
If the insurer will not pay, you could approach the Financial Ombudsman to see whether you have grounds for complaint.
Maybe I could get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)?
You may qualify for help towards your mortgage interest payments if you are a home owner and get certain income-based Benefits. This is known as Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). The interest is at a set rate, not the rate your lender charges and payments can be reduced for various reasons. The help you get is unlikely to cover your full mortgage instalments. The income-based Benefits will affect the start date of any SMI you receive and payments may not last longer than two years.
Maybe I could get help with my rent?
You may be able to get Universal Credit or (in some circumstances) Housing Benefit , if you rent your home and your income and your partner’s income is low.
Maybe I could get a Council Tax discount?
Redbridge Council can apply a discount or exemption in some circumstances to reduce your Council Tax bill.
Visit our Discounts and Exemptions page to check whether you qualify.
Maybe I could get help with my Council Tax instalments?
You may be able to get Council Tax Reduction if your income and your partner’s income is low.
Maybe I could take longer to pay my Council Tax?
Most Council Tax instalment plans are over 10 months from April to January of the following year. If this is difficult for you, you can ask to spread the cost over 12 months to include February and March also. Simply, email council.tax@redbridge.gov.uk to make your request
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax instalments you must contact the Council Tax department immediately as they will be able to discuss your payment plan with you. If you do not, your bill will increase because you will incur court and recovery costs.
Maybe I could reduce fuel bills?
You may be able to get a better deal by switching supplier.
Or you could improve the energy efficiency of your home
Maybe I could spread the cost of my fuel bills?
Most suppliers give a discount for paying monthly by Direct Debit. Check your bill to see how you may be able to pay by Direct Debit or standing order.
Some suppliers will offer a discount for paperless billing so it is worth checking this out too.
Paying your fuel bills by Direct Debit or Standing Order is usually a lot cheaper than paying on a ‘key-card’ or ‘top-up card’. If you are able to consider this payment method, it is worth looking into with your energy provider.
Maybe I could spread the cost of my TV licence?
The quicker you pay your annual TV licence, the cheaper it is as no fees / less fees are applied. However, not everyone is able to do this so:
- you can pay monthly, quarterly or yearly by Direct Debit
or
- weekly, fortnightly or monthly by TV licensing payment card
Maybe I could I get my water bills reduced?
You may be able to get your bills reduced if your water is metered, you get Tax Credits or an income-based benefit and either:
- you have at least three children under 19 living with you
or
- someone needs extra water for a medical condition.
Get more information at WaterSure scheme
Maybe I could spread paying my water bill?
There are lots of ways you can get help with your water bill payments from spreading the cost by paying through Direct Debit or at Paypoint venues, discounts, grants and paying directly from benefits
