Government help

The Government has created a number of initiatives to help people struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments, these include:

Support for Mortgage Interest Payments

You may be able to get some Government help towards your mortgage if you are receiving Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit. The Government will only pay the interest part of your mortgage payments.

Homeowners Mortgage Support

This scheme lets you defer part of your mortgage payments if you have had a temporary reduction in income. Only certain lenders are part of this scheme.

Mortgage Rescue Scheme

You may be able to apply to this scheme if you are in danger of having your home repossessed. You may be able to get some financial help so you can stay in your home. Your local housing authority may also agree to buy your house so you can rent it back.

Not everyone is eligible to join all of the schemes.

Please call our Helpline on 0800 138 1111 and one of our advisors will be able to give you specialist mortgage advice. We can tell you if you qualify for any of these schemes and answer any questions you may have.

FAQs

How can I find out what benefits I can claim?

England and Wales > Housing > Mortgages > Government help

You may be entitled to some Government benefits to help increase your income. You could speak to your local benefits office or visit Entitled to, a website with a benefits calculator. If you are struggling with other debts and would like some help applying for benefits or if you are not sure what you can claim, please call our helpline. One of our specialist advisors will be able to check what you are entitled to.

How can I find out what type of mortgage I have?

England and Wales > Housing > Mortgages > Government help

If you are not sure what type of mortgage you have you should contact your lender or check your mortgage agreement.

What is the difference between a repayment and interest only mortgage?

England and Wales > Housing > Mortgages > Government help

If you have a repayment mortgage, every time you make a payment you pay of some of the capital and the interest. This means that when the mortgage ends you will own your house.

If you have an interest only mortgage, when you make a payment you are only paying the interest and not any of the capital. If you have an interest only mortgage of £100,000 over 20 years, at the end of that 20 years you will still owe £100,000. This is because you will only be paying the interest and not the capital back.