If you are on a low income and need help to pay your rent and council tax, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Make a claim
To claim council tax or housing benefit, fill in an application form and send it back to us. You can do this in several ways:
In some cases, a form may be sent to the Benefit Department, on your behalf, by the Department of Works and Pensions or the Pension Service but never rely on anyone else to make the claim for you. It is your responsibility to make a claim.
Documents needed to send with your claim form
As well as the form, please send some supporting documents for your claim. Please enclose the following (original) documents with your claim form:
- 2 forms of identification for you and your partner
- Evidence of your National Insurance and that of your partner
- Evidence of all income for you, your partner and anyone else who lives in your household.
- Evidence of all capital held by you and your partner
- Evidence of current rent for Housing Benefit claims
All documents must be originals. Photocopies won't be accepted and may delay your claim.
Return your application to us immediately
Complete the claim form in full and return it immediately as Benefit is normally paid from the Monday after your claim is received at the council offices. If you haven't got all the proof we ask for to support your claim, send what you can with the form straightaway. You need to send the rest in within one calendar month. We will write to you and confirm any further information we need.
How much benefit will I get?
To find out how much benefit you may be entitled to, visit the Directgov website for guidance figures. The amount you receive will be calculated based on the following:
- Money you and - if applicable - your partner have coming in. This includes earnings, benefits, tax credits and pensions.
- Your and - if applicable - your partner’s capital savings and investments.
- Your circumstances, such as age, who lives in the household, ages of children, if anyone is disabled.
More details
For more information read our Frequently Asked Questions about Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
