Funding for people at risk of homelessness due to housing-related debt

The Homelessness Prevention Fund exists to help pay rent arrears where there is a significant risk of homelessness because of housing related debt and the individual has no other means of support.

How it works

We only allow one application per household per year.

We'll consider applications on a case-by-case basis. The focus is on those at greatest risk of homelessness. Tenants must show that they have not intentionally withheld rent payments.

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and are in arrears due to a shortfall in your housing costs, you must have first applied for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

In exceptional circumstances we will consider payments towards other housing related debt.

The maximum payment for each application is £2500.

You must:

  • be in arrears of at least 3 consecutive months and total arrears must be more than 3 months’ rent
  • currently be making some contribution towards your rent or arrears
  • show how a payment from the fund would help prevent homelessness
  • show that you have no other means of support

Who can apply

Council or housing association tenants

Applications for council or housing association tenants must be completed by an officer of Angus Council or a housing association. For example a rent arrears officer, financial inclusion officer, housing officer or welfare rights officer.

If you are an Angus Council tenant and are unsure who your housing officer is please contact us. Housing association tenants should contact their own housing provider.

Private tenants

Private Tenants can apply directly for these funds. If you are a private tenant your application will also be sent to our Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Team. They will review your application and will contact you to offer housing options advice.

Landlords must:

  • be registered with Angus Council (private tenants only)
  • demonstrate they are complying with the pre-action requirements for rent arrears
  • have carried out steps to resolve the issue before making an application
  • be willing to enter into a repayment plan
  • agree not to progress a repossession on the basis of related rent arrears where a grant is paid, and the tenant meets all future agreed rent and repayment obligations

Before you apply

Please include all the information we ask for.

We have limited funds. Any delay in us getting the information we need from you could mean funds have been allocated before we've had a chance to review your application.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned.

Information you need to complete the form

We'll ask you to tell us what has changed your ability to pay your rent.

This could be something like:

  • the COVID-19 pandemic
  • the cost of living crisis
  • something else

We'll ask you to provide evidence of this. This could be:

  • correspondence from your employer
  • correspondence from other agencies supporting you
  • payslips
  • bank statements
  • something else

We may contact your landlord for further information.

We'll also ask for these details:

Tenant:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • employment status
  • support needs

Tenancy:

  • total monthly rent
  • total arrears

Landlord:

  • name
  • address
  • bank account details
  • action taken
  • repayment options

Application form

Council or housing association tenants

Applications for council or housing association tenants must be completed by an officer of Angus Council or a housing association. For example a rent arrears officer, financial inclusion officer, housing officer or welfare rights officer.

Apply on behalf of a council or housing association tenant

Private tenants

If you are a private tenant your application will also be sent to our Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Team. They will review your application and will contact you to offer housing options advice.

Apply for the Homelessness Prevention Fund


What happens after you apply

The application will be considered by Angus Council officers. We'll then will notify you and your landlord of the outcome. Any payments for arrears will be paid directly to your landlord.