Claim housing and council tax benefits

If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to help with your rent in housing benefit and council tax in council tax benefit.

As soon as you decide you need to claim for either or both benefits, you must contact straight away to avoid missing out on benefits you may be entitled to.

How do I make a claim for benefits?

We will speak to you by phone or in person, to make a claim. Contact us for more information. 

Making a claim in person
When you make your claim in one of the One Stop Service offices, you will be asked for some supporting evidence. There is help with documents that you will need you to bring with you. If you bring all of the correct information with you, we should be able to give you a decision on how much you are entitled to on the day.

Making a claim by phone
We will go through the claim form with you over the phone and then give you an appointment to bring in the relevant documents we need.

When will my claim start?

The benefit will usually start on the Monday following the date you contact us.  If you want the claim to start earlier than this, please ask about this when you make your claim.

Are there any reasons that I would not eligible to claim, or not be entitled?

There are some things that would mean you were not eligible to claim benefits. The following groups are usually not eligible for housing benefit:

• Full time students without any dependent children
• European nationals who are not employed, self employed or in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support
• People from other countries whose immigration status prevents them from receiving public funds.

You would usually not be entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit if you hold more than £16,000 in savings or investments.