What are the advantages of direct payments?

For the landlord - regular payment to you, of the benefit due to your tenant(s).

For the tenant - We will normally pay your benefit directly into your bank account as is the quickest and easiest way for you to receive your benefit.  This means you will not have to wait for a cheque to arrive in the post or to clear into your bank account.  If you wish to receive your benefit this way please complete and return the form in the download area.

For the council - knowledge that the money is going towards the rent, as it should do, and an economical payment method.

If you are a tenant claiming benefit and renting private accommodation since 7^th April 2008 please click here to read more about how benefit will be paid.

When can money be paid direct?

The Council must make a direct payment in most cases if:

• Income Support is already being paid direct to the landlord to meet the rent arrears of the tenant or their partner; OR
• the tenant is more than 8 weeks, or equivalent, in arrears with the rent.

The Council cannot normally pay the landlord if the tenant is renting private accommodation and claiming Local Housing Allowance (LHA) since 7^th April 2008.  Click here to read more.  The Council may make direct payment to the landlord if:

• the tenant requests it, or agrees to it (suitable agreement is required) OR
• the council believes it is in the tenant's or the families best interest; OR
• the tenant has left the property owing rent arrears (payment is limited to the amount of those arrears.)

How much will be paid?

The amount of housing benefit paid depends on the tenant’s individual circumstances.  There can be many factors involved including the amount of income and savings, who else lives at the property and the size and cost of the property. 

If benefit is paid to the landlord for any reason, the Council will pay the landlord what would have been paid to the tenant.  In many cases this will not be the full rent charged, depending on the tenant’s income and circumstances.  If there is a shortfall in the amount paid then the tenant must ensure that the landlord is paid the full rent and the landlord will have to collect the difference from the tenant.

The Council will not normally discuss details of the tenant's benefit with the landlord unless the tenant provides written permission for us to do so. 

When will benefit be paid?

Payments are normally sent via BACS (direct bank credit) or sometimes by cheque posted to the tenant or landlord's address.  Claims are paid every four weeks in arrears.  If the landlord has more than one tenant, we will send only one payment.

An email can be sent to either the tenant or the landlord, providing details of each payment sent.  If you require this service, please email revenues@maldon.gov.uk with details of your address or tenant.