Financial support
We understand that life doesn't always go to plan, and sometimes paying your monthly rent can become difficult.
If you're facing financial challenges and are worried about keeping up with your rent payments, please don't wait. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can work together to find a solution that helps you stay in your home.
This page explains the support available to you and signposts you to benefits and schemes that might help.
If you're struggling to pay your rent
Your rent to Co-Ownership is an important commitment, and we know that falling behind can feel overwhelming. We're here to support you, not judge you.
If you're having difficulty paying your rent, contact us as soon as possible as the earlier we know about a problem, the more options we have to help you.
When you chat with our team, we'll talk through your situation in confidence and work with you to find a way forward. This might include agreeing a payment plan to help you catch up on any arrears while keeping up with your current rent, discussing whether there are benefits or support schemes you might be entitled to that you're not currently claiming, or helping you understand your options and what steps to take next.
Ignoring the problem or avoiding our calls and letters will only make things worse. We'd much rather work with you to find a solution than take any formal action.
Benefits and support you might be entitled to
Many of our customers don't realise they may be eligible for financial help that could make a real difference to their circumstances. Here are some benefits and schemes worth checking.
Other support
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to other forms of support such as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment if you have a disability or health condition, rates relief if you're on a low income, free school meals and other help with costs if you have children, or support from local charities and community organisations.
If you're unsure what you might be entitled to, contact Advice NI on 0800 915 4604 or visit a local Citizens Advice Bureau. They can carry out a benefits check and help you understand what support is available.
Money and debt advice
If you're struggling with debt or managing your money, free and confidential advice is available.
- Advice NI provides free, independent advice on benefits, debt, and money management. You can contact them on 0800 915 4604.
- Stepchange debt charity offers free debt advice and can help you create a plan to manage your finances. Contact them online or call 0800 138 1111.
- Christians against poverty provides free debt help and budgeting support through local centres across Northern Ireland.
These organisations can help you understand your options, prioritise your debts, and create a realistic budget that works for your situation.
Keeping your credit profile healthy
Making your rent payments to Co-Ownership on time is reported to Experian through the rental exchange, which can help build your credit profile. However, missed or late payments will negatively affect your credit report, making it harder to access credit in the future or remortgage when your deal ends.
If you're struggling, contact us before you miss a payment. Working with us to agree a payment plan shows lenders that you're managing your finances responsibly, which is better for your credit health than simply missing payments.
We're here to help
If you're worried about paying your rent or you've already fallen behind, please contact us. We'll treat your situation with understanding and respect, and work with you to find a way forward.
