Financial Hardship & Temporary Absence

If you are having trouble paying rent

If something unexpected happens and you cannot afford your rent, contact SCH as early as you can. This may include:

• a sudden drop in income
• large unexpected costs
• family violence
• a medical emergency
• being away from home for an important reason

How to ask for help
You need to make a written request for financial hardship support.

We may ask for information to understand:

• what has happened
• how it affects your ability to pay rent
• how long the problem may last.

We will look at your situation and may offer temporary help. This could include:

• a repayment plan
• delaying part of a payment
• a temporary reduction in rent.

Any agreement must be confirmed in writing.

While your request is being reviewed
Keep paying your rent as usual unless SCH agrees to a different arrangement with you in writing.

If you are away from home
You still need to pay your rent while you are away.

If you need to be away because of hospital, rehabilitation, respite care or prison, and this makes it harder to pay your rent, contact us as early as possible. You may be able to ask for temporary hardship support.

Holidays or other voluntary absences do not change your rent.

If your income changes long term
If your income or household situation has changed for longer, we may review your rent instead.

Download SCH Financial Hardship & Temporary Absence as PDF