Quick answer
For ongoing housing costs, explore Accommodation Supplement. If arrears put your home at risk, ask promptly about Accommodation Costs Arrears Grant. These serve different needs, and arrears assistance must be repaid. Having a job is not the only eligibility factor. [1][2]
Check your situation
- Is this a future shortfall or existing arrears? Is there a deadline?
- Do you rent privately, pay board, or live in public or social housing?
- What are your and your partner’s income, cash assets and weekly housing costs?
Use these questions for your own planning. You do not need to enter or submit personal information here.
Support to explore
These are starting points, not eligibility decisions. Check each programme separately.
Accommodation Supplement
Weekly help with eligible rent, board or home ownership costs. [1]
Official conditions and application information ↗Accommodation Costs Arrears Grant
Assistance where housing arrears could cause you to lose your home. You do not need to already receive a benefit, but it must be repaid and requires assessment. [2]
Official conditions and application information ↗What to check before applying
- Accommodation Supplement depends on income, assets, household, costs and area. People paying rent for public or social housing do not meet its general housing conditions. [1]
- Arrears assistance also considers whether you can sustain housing costs afterwards and whether other help is more suitable. The word “Grant” does not mean it is non-repayable. [2]
Application checklist
Gather these documents first. The official application process determines which evidence is required and how to provide it.
- Tenancy or board agreement, current costs and payment records.
- Arrears amount, period and notices from your landlord or head tenant.
- Your and your partner’s income and cash assets, plus existing support payments.
What to do next
- If your home is at risk, contact Work and Income through the arrears page and explain the debt and deadlines. [2]
- For ongoing costs, follow the Accommodation Supplement application route for existing or new clients. [1]
- Confirm the amount, start date and evidence deadline; for arrears help, confirm the repayment arrangement too. [1][2]
Amounts, payment start dates, backdating, renewals and combinations can depend on your circumstances. Check the latest official information before applying.
Common questions
Official sources and review date
These are independent iKoru summaries. Numbered citations link to the sources; official information and later notices take precedence.
- Work and Income: Accommodation Supplement ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
- Work and Income: Accommodation Costs Arrears ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
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