We are proactively monitoring the coronavirus outbreak, including the latest Government and NHS advice, and we can assure you that we are doing all that we can to help protect our customers and their homes during this period of uncertainty.
Guidance for customers experiencing difficulty in paying their rent
We are committed to help prevent our customers falling into debt and we will continue to provide advice, support and guidance to customers who may be experiencing difficulty in paying their rent. This can include putting payment plans in place or supporting customers with Universal Credit, Housing Benefit claims and discretionary housing payment/hardship applications.
We are unable to offer rent breaks however we will work with each customer on a case by case basis to agree an affordable repayment plan.
Guidance for customers who need help and advice with their rent
Customers can view their account, make payments, and arrange a Direct Debit call back and more with an online account. To set up an online account please go to my.placesforpeople.co.uk/signup. You will need your payment reference number and your email address to get started.
Or customers can email us at ircenquiries@placesforpeople.co.uk or contact us on 01772 666 444 or ring our Customer Support Centre on 01772 667 002 who can arrange for a member of our team to contact you and provide you with advice.
Please note that we are asking a few more questions than usual as part of our service to help our customers and it is very likely that it will take us a little longer to answer calls.
To help avoid longer waiting times please email us if you can. We thank you for your patience and understanding in these challenging times.
Guidance for customers in claiming benefits
If you are required to stay at home due to Coronavirus you may need financial support quickly. The government have put in place special measures for anyone affected by coronavirus. Statutory Sick Pay has been extended to those affected and you may also be able to claim Employment and Support allowance (ESA). You may want to consider applying for Universal Credit if you are worried you are going to struggle. The websites below have useful information to assist you.
If you are unsure of your eligibility to benefits or don't know where to start, you can contact our Money Advice Team at moneyadvice@placesforpeople.co.uk or by calling 01772 666 446.
Guidance for customers who need support and advice to help manage finances
We are committed to help support our customers as much as we can during this difficult time. If you’re worried about your finances, these guides from Stepchange can help you and your family get the support you need.
- Changes in circumstances due to coronavirus
- What to do if you need urgent help with money
- Coronavirus, debt and mental health
- What to do if your income has reduced
- Your complete guide to furloughing
- Dealing with redundancy and debt
Guidance for customers experiencing difficulty in paying their personal loan repayments
If you are concerned about the impact that Coronavirus may have on your loan with us, or are experiencing financial difficulties due to the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, please let us know as soon as possible by calling us on 01772 666 122 or by emailing loans@placesforpeople.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Guidance for customers experiencing difficulty in paying their equity loan or mortgage repayments
If you are concerned about the impact that Coronavirus may have on your loan with us, or are experiencing financial difficulties due to the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, please let us know as soon as possible by calling us on 01772 666 100 or by emailing secured.loans@placesforpeople.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Published 24 March 2020
Last updated 19 November 2020
19 November 2020
Updated and added guidance links for customers with financial concerns.
04 May 2020
Added guidance links for customers with financial concerns.
08 April 2020
Added links to Places for People subsidiary companies.
31 March 2020
Added links to useful pages and frequently asked questions.
24 March 2020
Initial financial guidance statement.