Benefits
This section tells you how you can get help with paying your rent and Council Tax through the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit schemes.
Category Items
Calculate your Housing Benefit Entitlement
Local Housing Allowance from April 2008
Information on new Housing Benefit legislation due to take effect from April 2008.
Do you need help paying your rent or council tax?
A general introduction to Housing and Council Tax benefit.
What can I claim?
You do not have to be on Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance to make a claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax benefit. You can claim if you, or your partner, are in full time work, are receiving a pension, other state benefits or even have no income at all.
How do I make a claim?
How to make a claim for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit.
How is my claim worked out?
How a claim for benefit is verified and calculated.
Proof you will need to supply
The things we will ask for in evidence of your income and circumstances when you make a claim. We only accept original documents.
Changes you must tell us about
You are responsible for notifying us of any changes to your income and circumstances.
Backdating Claims
You can claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit for a past period - called backdating.
Appeals
The Housing Benefit (Decision and Appeals) Regulations 2001 state that any 'person affected' by a relevant decision can ask the Council to revise its decision. It also states that a person affected can appeal against the Council's decision to an independent appeal tribunal.
Second Adult Rebate
What is second adult rebate and who can claim it?
Rapid Reclaim
Housing Benefit Rapid Reclaim is a quick way of reapplying for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
Landlords
Information for Landlords of tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Fraud
It is estimated that £2 billion a year is lost through people claiming money they are not entitled to. That is the equivalent of £80.00 for every household in Britain.
Extended Payments
Been on Benefit and Returning to work? You may be eligible for Extended Payments.
Discretionary Housing Payments
For extra help when you are in receipt of Housing and Council Tax Benefit but you still cannot meet your accomodation costs.
Benefit on Two Homes
Information on claiming Benefit for two homes at once.
Information For Pensioners
How Pension Credits affect housing and Council Tax benefits
Overpayment of Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit
How to go about repaying an overpayment of Housing and/or Council Benefit.
Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions that the Housing and Council Tax Benefit section are asked.
Contact the Council Tax and Housing Benefit Section
Contact details for the Benefit Section
Make Online Payments
Self Service Portal
Housing Repairs
Jobs at the council