I’m terrified I’m going to fall behind with rent and get evicted after benefits change

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M terrified I’m going to fall behind with my rent and fear I’ll get evicted.

I only just stopped it happening three years ago.

I’m a man aged 61 and live on benefits. In 2021, I started a job in a factory but they decided my eyesight wasn’t good enough for the intricate work so I was only there for a fortnight.

Within that time, I couldn’t receive my jobseeker’s allowance and quickly fell into arrears.

The housing association is hot on this matter so I had a threat to evict me within a week.

Luckily my sister lent me some money until I got straight.

I’ve now been told that I’m moving from job seeker’s allowance to universal credit. I’m so scared that it won’t be an easy transition because of all the paperwork.

I feel like doing myself in because I can’t sleep and I’m living on reduced-price food so that I don’t overspend.

DEIDRE SAYS: It’s better to be proactive than to lose sleep worrying.

Contact your housing association, preferably by email, to put them on notice that your benefit is changing.

If you’re due to pay rent and don’t think you’re going to have your benefit before you have the new universal credit payment, you can ask for an advance but contact Citizen’s Advice for the best way to tackle this.

If you still feel low, or you are suicidal, contact samaritans.org, (116 123) or text SHOUT to 85258 (giveusashout.org).