The Hardship Scheme can't help with payment for other essential bills, household needs or priority debts. If you’re struggling and need further support in these areas, please contact our Income Management Team.
Eligibility Criteria
Each Hardship Scheme application will be assessed individually and for your application to be considered you will need to provide proof of:
- all household income
- all other debts not owed to Vico Homes
- savings
You can show this evidence by providing bank statements clearly displaying payments made, for example your wages, Child Benefit payments and / or outgoing payments to debtors. If your application is approved, your account will be credited with the amount awarded as a lump sum payment to the rent account.
If you have received support from the Hardship Scheme within the last two years you aren't eligible to apply.
For more information about the Hardship Scheme or to apply, please contact the Income Management Team on 01977 724464 or email [email protected].
The scheme is set up to help our customers struggling with rent arrears. A one-off payment is made directly into their rent account.
No you don't have to pay the money back to us.
The amount of money you can get from the Scheme depends on your circumstances. The maximum is £2,000 but if applicants wish to contribute more, the grant can give £4 for every £1 contributed by the customer, up to a maximum of an additional £500.
The Scheme is to help customers pay their rent arrears when they're going through short-term financial difficulties.
It's our way of prevent arrears from escalating, supporting tenancy stability and giving customers the space to get back on track without the added stress of losing their home.
To apply please contact the Income Management Team on 01977 724464 or email [email protected].
If you need help gathering your documents or completing your applications the team can guide you through the process.
We aim to review and make a decision on your application as quickly as possible. The payments are made at the end of each quarter.
You should receive the funds in your rent account at the end of each quarter.
Please contact the Income Management Team on 01977 724464 or email [email protected].
What our customers say:
“The Scheme helped me clear my rent arrears. Not having any arrears in rent meant that I could apply for a Foundation Grant and train as a plant operator. I've gained all my qualifications and am now working in a more stable job. Without the help of the Hardship Scheme I have no idea where I would be today. It has totally changed the lives of our family, and I can’t thank Vico Homes enough. I would never have been able to afford the money to clear my arrears and make a career change without their help.”