TENANTS HANDBOOK SECTION 8 FINANCIAL ISSUES

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Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a social security benefit administered by the Northren Ireland Houisng Executive which can help people on low income pay their rent and rates. Even if you work full time you may still be able to get help.

Housing Benefit application forms are available at the Association’s office and staff will be happy to help you complete your claim form.

It is essential that you do not delay submitting your claim even though you may not have all the information required. This is because claims cannot normally be backdated. Please remember if you do delay you may lose money.

You have nothing to lose by making a claim.

Redecoration Allowance

The Association may make payments to tenants whose decoration has been disturbed as part of a scheme within their home. The payment is made on the basis of the number of rooms affected. In some instances where works which are normally undertaken in a scheme but were done as a “one off” repair a redecoration allowance may be payable.

For most tenants the lower level rate of payment is made. A higher level of payment may be made to people who are elderly or have a disability where no ablebodied person lives with them.

Decanting

Decanting occurs when the Association wishes to carry out the following work:-

1. To renovate an unimproved property which has an existing tenant.

2. To carry out major repairs on property which involves the Association gaining vacant possession in order to carry out the necessary repairs.

Decanting involves the movement of existing tenants to another property on either a temporary or permanent basis.

In accordance with the Department for Social Development Circular tenants moving into alternative accommodation will be entitled to first and second stage decant payments depending on whether they remain in the new accommodation provided or return to their original property once work has been completed.

Useful Addresses

Department for Social Development
Housing Associations Branch
10th Floor
River House
48 High Street
BELFAST
BT1 2DR
Tel: (028) 90251300

N.I. Housing Executive
District 4
10-16 Hill Street
BELFAST
BT1 2LA
Tel: (028) 90241525

N.I. Electricity
Emergency and Fault Reporting
Grove Street East
BELFAST
BT5 5GH
Tel: 08457 643643

Belfast City Council
City Hall
BELFAST
BT1 5CS
Tel: (028) 90320202

Homeless Advice Centre
32-36 Great Victoria Street
BELFAST
BT2 7BA
Tel: (028) 90317000

Housing Rights Service
72 North Street
BELFAST
Tel: (028) 90245640

Phoenix Natural Gas Limited
19 Clarendon Road
Clarendon Dock
BELFAST
BT1 3BG
Tel: (028) 9055 5555 (Enquiries)
Tel: 0800-002 001 (Gas Emergency)

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