Debt Advice

Lewisham Homes takes non-payment of rent seriously and we will take action against tenants who do not pay their rent.

If you are struggling to pay your rent, it is important that you contact your Income Officer straightaway.  In most cases it will be easy to make an arrangement to pay by instalments that you can afford.

By talking to us about your circumstances, we will have a greater understanding of your needs. We will be able to offer you advice, which will help us come to an arrangement that you can afford.

We're here to help

If you have fallen behind with your rent and / or service charge payments, don’t panic or ignore the problem: it won’t go away.

The important thing is to recognise that there is a problem, and talk to us. We have produced a Self-Help Debt Pack  for tenants and leaseholders who are finding it difficult to pay rent and/or service charges.

Many people get into debt because they don’t claim all the benefits to which they are entitled, and the Self-Help Debt Pack’ contains information about benefits.

Taking the time to work out your budget will help you see where your money is going. It will be easier to see where you can make some savings and organise your money for the future.

Contact us

Telephone

North Area 020 8314 7997
South Area 020 8314 7991

Email

enquiries@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Write to us

Lewisham Homes Income Team, FREEPOST (No stamp required), SE6 4TW

Meet us face to face

Use any of the methods above to arrange to meet Income Officer in person at your nearest estate office.

Direct Debt Line

A new Independent Debt advice telephone service is available to tenants in rent arrears with other debts, called Direct Debt Line.

Contact your Income Officer at Lewisham Homes on 020 8314 7997 (North) / 020 8314 7991(South), who can assess whether you would benefit from the new telephone service. They will also be able to advise whether another independent service would suit you better.

Other useful contacts

More information about rent and dealing with debt is available in your both the Tenancy Handbook and in the How to Pay your Rent leaflet.

You may also find the following contacts useful.

National Debt Line

For specialist independent debt advice you contact the National Debt Line.

You can call them for free on 0808 808 4000, Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.

The service is free and confidential.

Disability Benefits line

For general advice or information about benefits for disabled people contact the Benefit Enquiry Line:

Phone: 0800 88 22 00

Textphone: 0800 24 33 55 (for hearing or speech difficulties)

Lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday and between 9.00am and 1.00pm on Saturdays.

The Pensions Service

Visit: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Telephone: 0845 6060 265

Jobs Centre Plus

Job centre Plus can give you advice on applying for employment.

Visit: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk