Benefits
You can claim Housing Benefit if you are on a low income and pay rent. If you make a new claim, your benefit will be based on the Local Housing Allowance for the area you live in if you rent privately
You can claim Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income and pay Council tax. If you are entitled, your council tax bill will be reduced.
All new Housing Benefit claims for privately rented tenancies are based on a Local Housing Allowance rate and these are set by the Valuation Office each April.
A list of the 4 weekly Housing Benefit payment dates.
How you can help to stop Benefit fraud.
There are a number of discounts that can reduce your Council Tax which are separate from Council Tax Support. Discounts are based on the circumstances of people living in the property for example single person discount. Exemptions are based on the property for example if the property is empty an exemption could apply. Some exemptions from council tax are based on who lives in the property for example, members of a religious order.
It is important that you tell us about any changes in your situation for example changes to your income, capital, rent and the people living with you. You can use our online form to tell us about these changes.
Find out if you might be entitled to Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Support.
Please note: the calculator will give you an indication as to how much you could receive. Your actual entitlement will only be known when your claim has been worked out by the Benefits Service.
There are other benefits that you can claim that can help if you are unemployed, disabled or on a low income.