Support services FAQs
What can bpha do to support me as I can't afford the increase?
The Money Advice team can help signpost you to support that is available. To get in touch and find out more please click here.
Can I claim Housing Benefits or Universal Credit to cover my service charges?
Most of your service charge is eligible for Housing Benefit. There are some exceptions, including water, gas and electricity supplied directly to your home for personal use. Everything listed under the title ‘service charge’ within your rent review letter is eligible.
Do I have to let my House Benefit department know about the changes?
No, as a part of our process we will do this for you. You will only need to notify housing benefit teams if there are changes to your personal circumstances.
What do I do if I receive Universal Credit?
If you are in receipt of UC, you will need to log onto your customer portal to process the changes to your rent. You must not do this before 1 April. Please go here for further advice.
What happens with my direct debit?
We will update your direct automatically and will contact you to advise of your new payment amount separately. If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal credit and pay a top up by direct debit, this will be amended in June following the new entitlement amount you receive.
However, if there is going to be a problem with us taking payment you should contact us.
