Financial Help and Advice
Help where you need it
We care about our tenants and are here to help you with money matters and to provide guidance and support.
On this page you will find help and advice and also links to speak to one of our Financial Inclusion Advisors.
Rent and Service Charge Review
You will find our FAQs below but if you have any concerns about these changes please get in touch.
- Why is my rent being increased?
Ocean is increasing your rent in line with the terms of your tenancy agreement and the Government Rent Standard.
We’re determined to make a positive difference in our neighbourhoods and offer good value for money, and these changes will help us to do that. The increase is vital for us to continue to manage and maintain your homes, build new homes to rent and invest in and support the neighbourhoods we serve. The details of your rent increase will be within the letter you receive from us very shortly.
- What is the Government Rent Standard?
The Rent Standard is an economic standard that the Regulator of Social Housing expects registered providers, such as Ocean, to comply with. It sets the requirements around how registered providers set and increase rents for all their social housing stock in line with government policy.
- How have you calculated my rent increase?
Ordinarily rents are increased by Consumer Price Index (CPI) published in September 2022 +1%, which would mean an increase of 11.1%. Following government advice and in view of the cost-of-living challenges that our customers are facing we have capped our rent increase at 7%.
- How will I benefit from the rental increase?
We will invest the additional income into delivering our key customer objectives, keeping you safe, keeping your homes in good condition, building new homes, and investing in our neighbourhoods.
- I claim Universal Credit. Do I need to do anything?
Once you’ve received the letter confirming your rent charges, you will simply need to inform the DWP of this via their online portal after the rent increase has been applied. It is important that you do this on your review date in order to avoid issues with receiving your benefits.
For support in doing this please contact our Customer Accounts team.
- I claim Housing Benefit. Do I need to do anything?
If your Housing Benefit is paid directly to you, then you will need to inform Housing Benefit of your rent before 3 April 2023 to make sure you receive the correct payments.
If your Housing Benefit is paid directly to Ocean, you do not need to take any action. Ocean will inform Housing Benefit of your new rent.
- What do I do if I can’t afford the increase?
Our priority is to support our customers to sustain their tenancies, and we want to help prevent rent arrears as much as you do.
We have dedicated staff working alongside the Customer Accounts team who are trained to ensure you get the most out of your income and benefits, help you manage your finances and support you through changes in circumstances. Their services are free, friendly and confidential.
Please get in touch with them as early as possible if you need help to pay your rent. Alternatively, there is advice and support available from the local Citizens Advice Bureau.
- What if Universal Credit or Housing Benefit doesn’t cover the rent increase?
If your Universal Credit allowance or Housing Benefit isn’t enough to cover the additional rent increase, we strongly recommend that you contact our Customer Accounts team who can help you find a solution.
- What if I am affected by the under-occupancy charge?
You will need to make sure that your payments cover your benefit shortfall. You may find that your payments must increase to avoid falling into arrears. If you have any questions about that, please speak to our Customer Accounts team.
- Do I have to adjust my Direct Debit mandate or Standing Order with my bank?
Your Direct Debit will be adjusted automatically by our Customer Accounts team – you don’t have to do anything. However, you will have to contact your bank to amend your Standing Order to the new amount before 3 April 2023.
- What if I don’t want to pay the new charges
If you do not wish to continue your tenancy based on the new rent and service charge, then you have the right to end it. To do that you must give us 4 weeks’ notice in writing, before 3 April 2023 stating:
- You want to end the tenancy on or before the new charges take effect; and
- The date on which the tenancy is to end.
Many customers currently pay a charge in addition to rent which covers communal services like cleaning and grounds maintenance, and we understand that the quality and cost of these services is important to customers.
Ocean is committed to ensuring that service charges offer the best value for money possible.
- What is a service charge?
Your service charge covers the cost of services provided to your scheme, neighbourhood and personal charges in relation to your home.
- How is my service charge calculated?
The charge is calculated annually based on the cost of services for the previous year and estimated costs for the coming year. Charges are shared equally between all of the customers who benefit from the services.
- I claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. Will it cover all of my service charge?
Not all services are eligible for Housing Benefit/Universal Credit, which may mean you will have to pay for a shortfall. We’ve summarised what is eligible and what isn’t in your rent and service charge review letter.
- What if I can’t afford the changes to my service charge?
For the few customers who see a significant change to their service charge and are worried, we encourage you to contact our Financial Inclusion team. They are trained to ensure you get the most out of your income and benefits, help you manage your finances and support you through changes in circumstances. Their services are free, friendly and confidential.
Please get in touch with them as early as possible if you need help to pay your rent. Alternatively, there is advice and support available from the local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Below is a summary of the types of service charges that you might pay for.
| Communal utilities | This is the cost of providing electricity, gas, and/or water in communal areas. Depending on your scheme this may include internal and external lighting, power source for lifts, fire alarms or door entry systems, heating in communal areas, or communal toilets etc. |
| Laundry | This is the cost of hiring communal laundry equipment. |
| Telephone line rental | This is the cost of the pay line rental costs within the scheme. They may relate to door entry systems, lifts, or fire alarm systems. |
| Door entry | This is the cost to service, maintain and repair the communal door entry system. |
| Intensive housing management | This is the cost of providing additional support, tenancy and neighbourhood management to customers living in our properties designated for older persons. |
| Communal cleaning | This is the cost of providing a cleaning service to communal areas. It may include the cost of an external contractor, salary costs if the service is being provided by a member of staff, as well as the cost of cleaning materials and equipment. |
| Caretaker | This is the cost of providing a caretaking service, including staff salary costs, PPE, mobile phone, cleaning materials etc. |
| Disposals | This includes things like rubbish removal, skip/equipment hire. It may also include costs associated with pest control. |
| Managing Agents | This charge is applied when a third-party agent provides estate services |
| Grounds maintenance | This is the cost of providing a grounds maintenance service to communal areas. This may include grass cutting, tree maintenance, grit spreading and litter removal. |
| Fire safety | This is the cost to maintain, repair and replace firefighting equipment, fire detection and emergency lighting. |
| Lift | This is the cost to service, maintain and repair passenger lifts. |
| Aerial | This is the cost to service, maintain and repair communal TV aerials. |
| Furniture | This is the cost to maintain, repair and replace communal furnishings and individual items. Communal furnishings can include furniture, floor coverings, carpets and decorating. Individual items can include white goods and lifeline equipment. |
| Play areas | This is the cost to service, maintain, repair and insure external play areas. |
| Community | This is the costs associated with the provision of community facilities such as rooms or lounges. This charge also covers the cost of the communal lounge TV licence. |
| Testing & Inspections | This is the cost of portable appliance testing (PAT) and lightening conductors. |
| Sewerage | This is the cost of proving private sewerage systems that are not connected to mains drainage. |
| Insurance | This is payable by shared owners and leaseholders to cover the cost of their building’s insurance. It may also cover the cost of insuring the communal areas, internally and externally. |
| Management Fee | This covers the cost of running services, managing and setting up contracts, staff, administration and overheads, including the cost of preparing service charge information. |
Help and advice
Annie and Louise, our friendly Financial Inclusion Advisors will work with you to help maintain your tenancy and improve your sense of wellbeing by providing you with guidance and support in the following areas:
• Navigate the benefits welfare system to maximise your Income.
• Help to reduce your energy costs
• Help to reduce other household bills
• Debts and budgeting advice and referrals
• Health and Wellbeing advice and referrals
• Look at available grants / funding options
• Saving money
You can book an appointment by calling Ocean on 01726 874450 or by emailing us at enquiries@oceanhousing.com . We will contact you back to arrange a suitable time with you.
Managing money can be a challenge when living on a limited budget. If you've fallen into debt, you don't have to cope on your own. Our team is on hand to help you get your finances under control.
Our Financial Inclusion Team can work with you to assess your situation and provide advice on getting you back on track. Our team work closely with other agencies and can help you to find the right solution for you and your money issues.
If you are struggling with debt don’t hesitate to contact our Financial Inclusion Team for advice and assistance. Telephone 01726 874450, email enquiries@oceanhousing.com, or speak to your Neighbourhood services officer or Account Advisor.
Budgeting
If you always struggle to make ends meet, it’s time to work out a realistic budget you can stick to. In these uncertain times, working out a budget is even more important to help you make ends meet, cope with any emergencies and plan for your future.
Making a Budget: Once you take the time to work out your budget, it only takes a few minutes every week to review it and keep control of your money.
Your income and what you spend
Note down the income you receive; whether it's wages, benefits or other money coming in.
Make a list of all of the things you pay for on either a weekly or monthly basis. Be realistic, and don't forget things like car tax and Christmas and Birthdays, which you only pay for once a year. If you are struggling to think of everything, try keeping a spending diary, or making a note on your phone over of everything you spend for a period of a few weeks.
Online Tools and Information
The Money Advice Service has lots of information and tools to help you manage your monthly budget and Universal Credit claim.
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert also has lots of useful information to help you stay in control of your money.
Apps
There are lots of free interactive tools online and available for smartphones, all designed to help you keep track of your spending. As new ones are being developed on a regular basis, our Financial Inclusion Team can provide suggestions on the most current.
Our Financial Inclusion Team can help you compile your budget and offer advice on maintaining it. They can also offer you expert help and guidance with benefit concerns, debt, utility bills and other household expenditure.
To contact our Financial Inclusion Team, please telephone 01726 874450, email FIA@oceanhousing.com, or speak to your Neighbourhood services officer or Account Advisor.
Energy
We know that rising energy prices are a real cause for concern for many of our residents.
We have put together a useful Energy factsheet which provides information and advice on the various ways to save energy and in turn reduce your bills.
We are working with two local partner agencies who offer a free, impartial service to support households save energy and reduce their fuel bills. In some instances, they are also able to provide limited financial support.
They can help you:
• understand your fuel bills and manage any fuel debt
• find out who your fuel supplier is and make sure you are on the cheapest tariff
• access energy-related benefits and grants such as the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment.
Please contact our Financial Inclusion Team who will be happy to discuss your circumstances, provide advice and if required make a referral to our partner agency for support.
To contact our Financial Inclusion Team, please telephone 01726 874450, email enquiries@oceanhousing.com, or speak to your Neighbourhood services officer or Account Advisor.
Community Energy Plus
Provides householders in Cornwall advice and assistance on energy efficiency and saving, working to tackle fuel poverty.
Telephone Helpline 0800 954 1956
Website https://www.cep.org.uk/
Energy Saving Trust
Provides online advice on saving money on energy bills at the same time reducing carbon footprint.
Website https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/
WATER
If you buy your water direct from South West Water and you are on a water meter, you may be eligible for one of the following social tariffs:
WaterCare: If you’re on a very low income and you or someone in your household receives means-tested benefits. The tariff offers a discount of 15-50% on your ongoing charges.
WaterSure: If a household member has a medical condition or there are 3 or more children requiring extra water use in the property, you may qualify to have your annual water costs capped.
Watermeter Scheme: Having a water meter means you only pay for water you use and it puts you in control of your water use so you can take steps to reduce your bills.
To apply for a discounted water tariff from South West Water call 0344 346 1010 or visit: https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/bills/need-help-paying-bill/
Southwest water can offer payment plans to help spread the cost of your bill and provide a range of support for people in debt or struggling to pay their bill.
Council Tax
Council Tax Support helps pay for your Council Tax if you are on a low income. It may cover all or some of your Council Tax depending on your income and savings, and your circumstances. If you or your partner have savings over £16,000 you will not be able to get Council Tax Support unless you receive Pension Credit guarantee credit.
To make a claim:
Telephone Cornwall Council on: 0300 1234 121
Claim online: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/council-tax-support/apply-for-council-tax-support/
There may be further help available through making an application for Exceptional Relief to provide assistance towards the shortfall between Council Tax Support and the full Council Tax liability.
Claim on-line: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/council-tax-support/exceptional-relief/
Broadband
A strong reliable broadband connection is now as essential to families as almost every other household utility. It’s crucial for children to be able to learn from home, it’s extremely useful for job hunting, and helpful for getting shopping done and keeping in touch with loved ones. Many broadband providers are now offering social tariff deals for customers receiving Universal Credit or other financial support.
To check out some of these social tariff broadband deals visit:
MOBILE:
Vodafone offers VOXI for now, a mobile social tariff for customers on certain benefits. They offer monthly contracts for £10 and includes unlimited 5G data as well as unlimited calls and texts. There is no contract or credit check and customers can pause or cancel at any time.
Please visit: https://www.voxi.co.uk/for-now
Food
As food inflation begins to bite, we’ve seen a steady increase every month on the amount of money that tenants are spending on food.
Your food shopping is one of the biggest costs you have to budget for. By looking for ways to save money, you may find increased food costs easier to deal with.
Please see our Food fact sheet for money saving advice and tips to help reduce your expenditure on food.
If you’re trying to pay off debt or have a limited income, you may be considering cutting your food costs down by a drastic amount. Please don’t do this, try to follow the tips below as your wellbeing always come first, and that includes being able to eat healthy and filling meals.
If you are struggling to purchase food, please contact our Financial Inclusion Team on tel. 01726 874450, email enquiries@oceanhousing.com, or speak to your Neighbourhood services officer or Account Advisor
Money and Food Saving Tips
- Regularly check what food you have in stock
The best way to save money on food is to base your meals around what you have already. It can help you spend less on food shopping, because you’ll only buy the items you need.
Take note of any tinned foods you have, as well as any dried foods such as rice and pasta. It also helps to know what seasoning and sauces you already have. Keep your cupboards tidy so you can see what you have in stock quicker. Don’t forget to check your freezer as well.
- Cook everything from scratch to make food cheap
Do you sometimes pop to the supermarket to pick up an emergency ready meal? Do you find yourself tempted by a cheeky takeaway more often than you’d like? You probably don’t need us to tell you that this can cost quite a bit over time.
If you spent just £15 on a takeaway once a fortnight that’s a whopping £390 a year you could be saving instead. That could be money you set aside for an emergency.
There are several great benefits to learning how to cook staple meals from scratch. Not only is it often cheaper to cook your meals yourself, you can then freeze these extra portions to eat another time.
- Reduce your meat consumption
Lots of people are reducing how much meat they eat because of the health and environmental benefits, but it’s a great idea for your wallet too.
Popular meats such as chicken breast and lean mince can be expensive, so there’s significant savings to make by at least having a ‘Meat free Monday’.
- Make a meal plan
Planning every meal sounds like a chore, but it’s a 15-minute job once a week, and it’s been shown to save money. Just follow these steps:
Decide what meals you’d like to cook
• Make a list of the ingredients you’ll need
• Check your store cupboard to see if you already have some ingredients
• Shop for the ingredients you need
• Batch cook what you can (freeze what you’d like to use later in the week)
• Stick to the plan
- Use supermarket coupons
As part of your meal planning each week, check to see if there are any coupons available which you can print off at home or use on your phone to get discounts on your ingredients:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/supermarket-coupons/
http://freestuff.co.uk/printable-vouchers/shops/
6. Stock up on cheap food basics
You’ll be amazed at what you can save on bulk buys and by picking up discount store basics:
• Stock up on spices and dried herbs they’re often better value for money
• Store cupboard favourites such as rice can be bought in large 10kg bags for as little as £10, compared to 1kg bags for £2-£4
• Chopped tomatoes can be as much as £1 per can at some supermarkets, but are as little as 25p in some discount stores.
- Hit the reduced section
Everyone loves a cheeky discount don’t they? Don’t be afraid of checking out the reduced section and stocking up on useful items that are going out of date. You’ll sometimes find ‘dry goods’ with damaged packaging have discounts too – although these are often hidden away in a different area of the supermarket.
- Downshift your brands
If you’re trying to budget then you’ve probably already moved to a more better value supermarket, now you can consider changing the brand.
Drop down one ‘brand level’ on a product, testing it, and if you can’t taste the difference – buy that in the future.
Can you really tell the difference between the branded dried spaghetti and the value one? Cheap food doesn’t mean losing out on taste!
There can be times in all our lives when we need a little extra help with our health and wellbeing. If you are looking for support with your mental health and wellbeing, there are some great organisations and advice out there. Here are a few we recommend:
Mind give general advice about mental health and signpost to the right support.
Visit https://www.mind.org.uk/
Telephone 0300 123 3393 or TEXT 86463
NHS Mental health Support 24/7 NHS mental health response line for support and advice. Support is available to anyone, regardless of age. All day every day.
Visit https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/mental-health-crisis-cornwall/
Telephone 0800 038 5300
Outlook Southwest (Cornwall Partnership with NHS Foundation Trust) offer Psychological therapy services for people aged 16+. They offer help with difficulties such as stress, low mood, worry, anger, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, post traumatic stress disorder.
Visit https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/outlook-south-west -
Telephone 01208 871905 between 9am to 4pm.
Pentreath promotes good mental health through personal development, education and employment. They support recovery from ill mental health and develop opportunities for people to meet their potential for happy and productive lives. They offer outreach, one to one coaching and support to help you achieve your goals.
Visit https://www.pentreath.co.uk/
Telephone 01726 862727
We understand that benefits can be complex and you might not be aware of the wide range of benefits you may be entitled to.
Our specialist Financial Inclusion Team can provide information and advice to our tenants, on the whole range of welfare entitlements including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, the various disability benefits, together with legacy benefits.
Our team work closely with other agencies, so even if you are claiming the money you are entitled to, they may be able to help you to access other types of help – including debt advice, energy efficiency advice and other support needs.
To contact our Financial Inclusion Team, please telephone 01726 874450, email enquiries@oceanhousing.com, or speak to your Neighbourhood services officer or Account Advisor.
A step-by-step guide to applying for Universal Credit
Use this handy tool to work your way through the Universal Credit application process.
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/
Council Tax Support
Universal Credit replaces 6 benefits, but this does not include council tax support. You must apply separately for any support. You can get in touch with us if you require assistance, or you can apply directly online to Cornwall Council. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/council-tax-support/
It can be very difficult to have a council tax support entitlement backdated, so when you migrate over to Universal Credit remember to apply for council tax support.
Pension Age Benefits
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit is separate from your state pension.
To make a claim visit: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Housing Benefit helps pay for your rent if you are on a low income. If you or your partner have savings over £16,000 you will not be able to get Housing Benefit unless you receive Pension Credit guarantee credit.
To make a claim visit: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/housing-benefit/
Telephone: 0300 1234 121
Digital Inclusion
A strong reliable broadband connection is now as essential to families as almost every other household utility. It’s crucial for children to be able to learn from home, it’s extremely useful for job hunting, and helpful for getting shopping done and keeping in touch with loved ones. Many broadband providers are now offering social tariff deals for customers receiving Universal Credit or other financial support.
To check out some of these social tariff broadband deals visit:
A strong reliable broadband connection has become an essential utility for the majority of households. It provides a crucial links to assist in a child’s learning, job hunting, shopping as well keeping in touch with loved ones.
There are a number of organisations within Cornwall who can assist with digital skills and access to the internet.
Cornwall Council’s Digital Inclusion team help people get on-line and assist with building up confidence to use on-line services. Please visit their website for more information https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/digital-inclusion/
Inclusion Cornwall work to ensure that residents in Cornwall can access on-line services quickly and easily, whether they are on-line or not. They respect people’s decision not to be using on-line services, and ensure they can still access those services by other means.
https://inclusioncornwall.co.uk/digital-inclusion/
Volunteer Cornwall can help residents become more digitally included through their various projects:
• Community Makers – They are dedicated staff working in the communities of Cornwall to encourage Voluntary action. As they know and understand the network of voluntary and community groups in their area they can direct you to the most local and appropriate support, depending on your needs.
• Social prescribing – Your healthcare professionals can refer you to your local Social Prescriber who can provide support in a nonclinical way to help improve your health and wellbeing. https://www.volunteercornwall.org.uk/projects
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for change (CN4C) work to bring communities together. They can provide support to access digital services, job searching, learning and skills training, access to social groups, wellbeing activities including allotment and cooking courses, together with crisis support.
They have community Hubs at:
The Elms, 61 Green Bank Lane, Redruth TR15 1LS
Community Bank at St Austell, 5-7 High Cross Street, PL25 4AF
Citizens Advice have various help hubs located across the county, which provide greater access to Citizens Advice Services. The hubs have computers and internet phones where you can find information about your issues and hold a face to face on-line session with an advisor.
The digital hubs are located in Libraries, community centres and foodbanks and are open for everyone to use.
https://citizensadvicecornwall.org.uk/get-advice/
Text ‘ADVICE DIGITAL’ to 78866
Ocean Housing want to ensure help is available to our customers, ensuring they stay safe and well. For the last two years we have established our own Support Fund which our tenants can apply to when experiencing financial hardship.
To make an application to the Support fund (maximum £500), please complete the form below
If you are having problems paying your rent, service charges or bills, you can talk to one of our Customer Accounts Advisors. They can take an overall look at your money problems and find ways to help.
Talk to us – Benefits advice
If you are affected by the Bedroom Tax, Welfare Reform or Universal Credit, call our Financial Inclusion Advisors .
Our Financial Inclusion Advisors are here to listen and help.
They can review your benefits and work out whether you are eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment or other financial assistance.
The Financial Inclusion Advisors will look at the bigger picture, working with individuals and families to find solutions to problems. If it means you will need to move home, you will need to register for HomeChoice or HomeSwapper we can assist with identifying if there is possible funding to help with removal costs.
Email enquiries@oceanhousing.com
Tel 01726 874450
Further Advice
You can contact national agencies for confidential advice:
StepChange
StepChange Debt Charity (formerly CCCS) is the UK’s leading debt charity dedicated to assisting people in financial difficulty by providing free, independent, impartial and realistic debt advice.
Debt problems can happen to anyone. StepChange are here for everyone.
Website
Tel 0800 138 1111 (Freephone including all mobiles)
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Citizen’s Advice Bureau helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.
Website
Tel 08444 111 444
National Debt Line
This helpline provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
Website
Tel 0808 808400 (Freephone)
On their website you can:
• Download their information pack to deal with your debt problems.
• Use their personal budget section to work out what repayments you can afford.
• Use their suite of sample letters to write to your creditors.
• Visit their debt advice section to get information that may help you deal with your debt problem.
• Access their library of factsheets, guides and review packs.
• See if you can pay your debts via a Debt Management Plan(DMP)
• See if you qualify for a Debt Relief Order
• See What options you have for dealing with your debts?
Your home is at risk if you fall behind with your rent and do not contact us to make arrangements to repay the debt.
Money Helper
Money Helper is a free, impartial and comprehensive money advisory service. It is a first port of call for all things ‘money’ and the website is really easy to use.
To receive Universal Credit you will need to have a bank, building society or credit union account. This is so that the payments can be made automatically each month.
Having an account will also mean that you can manage your monthly budget and set up regular payments to pay bills automatically each month.
Benefits of setting up an account:
• pay money into your account
• take out money from cash machines
• pay rent, service charges, bills and transfer money out of your account
• keep track of your money, interest and charges by looking at your monthly statement.
Account Options
The account you choose must be able to receive Universal Credits automatically.
The different account options are:
• current account
• basic bank account
• ‘jam jar’ account (also called a budgeting account)
• some types of credit union account
• prepaid cards
The Money Helper takes you through your choices in more detail.
Setting up an Account
You will need:
• Proof of identity (eg. Passport, drivers licence, letter from a responsible person such as a teacher)
• Proof of address (eg. rent statement, water or electricity bill)
How can I set up an account?
You can set up your account by filling out an application form at the Bank or Building Society branch, on the internet, by phone or by post.
Application Form
You will need to complete an application form with personal details such as your address and contact details as well as your monthly income.
Make sure you understand the fees and charges on the account and don’t be afraid to ask if it is not clear.
Benefits Help & Support
Cornwall Council Benefits Advice
Register online for a Self-Serve account – to apply for or check the status of your Housing Benefits claim.
Cornwall Council Housing Benefits information
0300 1234 121
Online Benefits Calculator
Use the online Benefits Calculator tool to check you are getting the correct benefits.
Our teams are happy to provide information and support, making sure you are getting the right amount of benefits from the Council.
General Benefits enquiries
Speak to the Customer Accounts Team for your general Benefits enquiries.
Further Help and support
If you are affected by Welfare Reform (Bedroom Tax, Universal Credit or the Benefits Cap), speak to our Welfare Advice Advisors.
They can review your benefits and work out whether you are eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment and other financial assistance.
The team looks at the bigger picture, working with individuals and families to find solutions to their problems.
If it means you will need to move home, they can help you register for HomeChoice or HomeSwapper and even help you seek possible financial assistance with removal costs.
Universal Credit is a benefit to support you if you're working and on a low income or you're out of work.
You can apply for Universal Credit online:
How to claim: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
Contact details: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit
You can keep a track of your payments using our text service just text any of these commands to our new text number:
07520 632741
BAL – for a balance enquiry
PAY – to find out about your last rent payment
CARD – to order a replacement payment card
RENT – If you require some help and would like us to call you back
Pay by telephone
Allpay 24hrs Automated Service - 0330 041 6497
Ocean Housing - 01726 874450
Helpful Downloads
Useful Forms
My Ocean Tenant Zone
With your MyOcean account you can report a repair and track its progress, see your statements and learn of any planned works on your property.
MyOcean“I found it so easy to keep track of my rent payments using my MyOcean account, I would recommend that everyone signs up today!"”
V Jones, Newquay
MyOcean Tenant Zone