Who can claim for Housing
Benefit and how can I claim?
Any tenant over 16 years old can claim
provided they satisfy certain conditions. There are different rates for
single people, couples and families. Some special rules apply to young people
aged 16 and 17 and to students. You are assessed on your income, size of
household, whether you are disabled or a pensioner, and any savings you
may have. Applications for Housing and Council Tax benefits are handled
by the Housing Benefit Office or Council Tax Office. You can get application
forms from your Area Housing Office.
What if I have any savings?
For Housing Benefit, savings under a certain
amount will be ignored. Any savings over that amount will reduce the amount
of benefit you receive. If you have a large amount of savings or capital
you will not get any benefit. Savings include: cash, money in banks or building
society accounts, unit trusts, stocks and shares, income or capital bonds,
premium bonds, and lump sum redundancy payments.
How is Housing Benefit
paid?
Once your application has been approved,
you will be notified in writing of the amount you will receive. This amount
will be paid directly to us each week. If your benefit does not cover your
rent in full, you will have to pay the difference to us. See
RENTS.
What if my circumstances
change?
If your circumstances change, you must
inform us and we will inform your Housing Benefit Office immediately so
you do not face a large bill for backdated repayment. Contact your Area
Housing Office.
What if my application
is not successful?
You have the right to appeal. You need
to act quickly as there are time limits on appeals. Contact the Housing
Benefit Office immediately. See
USEFUL
CONTACTS.
Can I claim other benefits?
There are a variety of benefits, each with
different conditions. You can find out about these at the Benefits Agency
(DSS) or Job Centre. See
USEFUL CONTACTS.
Housing Benefit
This is for tenants
who are on low incomes or receiving welfare benefits to help with their
rent payments. It will cover any supporting people charge you may need
to pay but it will not cover garage rent, district heating, water rates
or Council Tax.
Any person over 16 years old who is a named tenant in rented accommodation
can apply.
The amount given depends on:
- your rent
- the number, ages and the circumstances of people in your family or
any other people living in your home and whether any of them are employed
-
your
income and any savings or investments.
Your Responsibilities
- It is your responsibility to ensure that your rent or any arrears
you owe are paid even if you receive Housing Benefit.
- You must inform your Area Housing Office or Housing Benefit Office
immediately of any change of circumstances that could affect the amount
of benefit you are allowed.
- You will be sent a renewal form every year. If you do not send this
back on time you may find your Housing Benefit doesn't get paid. You
may then find you are building up rent arrears and these may not be
covered by any future Housing Benefit you receive.
Council Tax Benefit
This is for anyone who
has to pay Council Tax.
The amount given depends on:
- the number, the ages and the circumstances of people in your family
or any other people living in your household, and whether any of them
are employed
- your income and any savings or investments.
If you apply for Housing Benefit you do not have to make a separate
claim for Council Tax Benefit.
Council Tax Reductions
Some households can
get reductions on their Council Tax, eg people who live alone or if a
member of the household is a carer. The reduction applies even if you
are not on benefits. It does not relate to your income.
If
you want to apply for a reduction on your Council Tax, contact the Council
Tax Office.
Your Enquiry | Housing Benefit | Your Responsibilities |
Council Tax Benefit | Council Tax Reductions
[ Contents | A-Z Index ]
HOUSING
BENEFIT 
