Residents can experience poverty, financial hardship, or debt due to a major change in circumstances or from long-term, entrenched financial challenges. Camden Council offers a range of services to help residents manage finances, access benefits, and achieve sustainable income.

Rent Support in Housing

If tenants are worried about paying rent, they can contact the Income Team for advice and assistance:

·       Email: [email protected]

·       Phone: 020 7974 4444

The Income Team can:

·       Develop person-centred rent repayment plans

·       Manage payments on behalf of tenants

·       Provide advice on rent obligations and arrears

More information can be found online: Paying rent for your council home - Camden Council 

Cost of Living & Hardship Support

For more information visit: Refer yourself for money advice and support - Camden Council  

If you are struggling to afford the essentials or you’re in an emergency financial situation, our Money Advice team can help you to:

1.  Get a Cost of Living (COL) Fund or Household Support Fund (HSF) payment worth up to £500.

2.   Increase your income and make sure you’re receiving all the benefits you should be.

To apply for these payments, read the information below and then complete the form. It takes about 25 minutes and someone from our Money Advice team will respond to you within 10 working days.

Click here to read this information in EasyRead.

Click here to get cost of living information and advice in British Sign Language (BSL).

Access to Grants and Additional Funds- Apply for grants, funds and loans - Camden Council

Camden residents may also access:

A Discretionary Housing Payment provides financial support to help with rent or housing costs. Discretionary Housing Payments.

Tenants may also consider WISH Plus .WISH Plus referral hub is a way for Camden residents to get access to a range of warmth, income, safety and health services (WISH).

For community-wide improvements and initiatives, tenants can apply to the We Make Camden Kit — Camden Giving- The We Make Camden Kit is a partnership between Camden Citizens, Camden Council, Camden Giving, and Camden businesses.

Upcoming Government Funding: Crisis and Resilience Fund

From 1 April 2026, the UK Government will replace the Household Support Fund with the Crisis and Resilience Fund:

·       Multi-year funding (2026–2029) to help councils support residents facing financial shocks

·       Aims to provide both immediate financial assistance and build long-term resilience

·       Will include support for essentials and housing costs, replacing some elements of DHP and other crisis support

·       Camden Council will implement this fund locally to continue assisting residents in hardship

Summary for Residents and Staff

Current support (until March 2026):

·       Household Support Fund: emergency payments up to £500 for essentials

·       Cost of Living Crisis Fund: additional support for residents in severe financial hardship

·       Council Tax Support: continued local support to reduce financial pressure

Future support (from April 2026):

·       Crisis and Resilience Fund: multi-year funding to provide emergency financial help and build household resilience

·       Camden will administer this locally, replacing current emergency funds