A LEADING poverty charity has found many people struggling to pay their rent, even though they could be eligible for help.

Turn2us said many private renters do not realise they could be claiming benefits which would help them meet their housing costs.

As many as 28,714 people in North Yorkshire already claim housing benefit, the charity said, but some people who have been told they are not eligible for housing benefit do not realise they could qualify for Universal Credit.

Even if they do realise, the six week wait for Universal Credit will mean that many will risk stacking up arrears and may lose their home.

Turn2us chief executive Simon Hopkins said: “It is crucial to seek help if you are struggling to pay your rent.

“Support is available and while you might not always be eligible, it is important to check what you are entitled to so that you do not miss out on help that you could be receiving.

“This is particularly the case if that help could mean the difference between going into arrears or not.”