New rent app aims to help SARH customers

Posted on 1st February 2013

A Stafford housing association has signed up to a new smart phone app allowing its customers to pay their rent with the touch of a button.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is increasing the number of ways its customers can pay their rent ahead of major changes to the welfare system.

The app, called ‘allpay’, is available to all SARH customers with access to a smart phone.

The ‘allpay’ scheme also makes it possible for customers to pay their rent over the phone, via the internet, by direct debit, by text message or over the counter at the Post Office or PayPoint centres.

Kathryn Bradbury, Homes and Neighbourhood Manager for SARH, said: “Last year we processed 72,000 transactions from customers paying their rent at the Post Office or PayPoint centres.

“The new app makes it easier for people to pay their rent from the comfort of their own homes or on the go – it is designed to suit them.”

The launch of the app comes ahead of some of the biggest changes to the welfare system in decades, which is expected to affect a large number of SARH’s working age customers.

One of these changes includes the introduction of Universal Credit – meaning rent will no longer be paid direct to SARH.

“From October benefits to all new claimants will no longer be paid direct to us, instead payments will be made direct to the claimant who will then have to budget for rent, bills and spending. By 2017 the universal credit system will also be phased in to apply to new and existing claimants,” said Kathryn.

“We hope the launch of the new app will help people with many aspects of money management and prepare them better for these changes.”

SARH’s Money Advice Team will be visiting a number of community centres throughout February to offer help and practical advice on the changes top benefits.