Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
Housing and Council Tax Benefit is administered by the Revenues and Benefits Service.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is paid by the Council to people who qualify for assistance with their housing costs and is means tested.
You may qualify if you receive one of the following state benefits
- Of pensionable age receiving other state benefits
- Working on low earnings
- Working part time.
- Self employed on a low income.
Self Employed Information (702KB) (link opens in new window)
The amount of your benefit entitlement depends upon five factors.
1. The amount of your Council Tax and/or the amount of your rent that you are liable to pay.
2. Your household details (who lives in your house)
3. Your weekly income (the total amount of income you receive)
4. Your capital (the amount of savings you have)
5. Whether a non-dependant lives with you (e.g. a grown up son or daughter, parent, friend etc).
Check if you qualify for help
You may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit, please use the Benefit Ready Reckoner (156KB) (link opens in new window) to find out. Compare your family circumstances against your current Council Tax band, which can be found on your bill. If your income is lower and the figure printed then you should use this application form to make a claim.
If you are considering moving to a private property it would be wise to check the Local Housing Allowance Rates to see what amount of rent you will be entitled to claim for.
Benefit is calculated by reference to a figure set by the Department for Work and Pensions 
each year, which is intended to reflect basic weekly living expenses. This is known as the Applicable Amount and we are required to use this figure in the calculation.
The applicable amount is based on a personal allowance for the claimant and partner (if any) which is increased if there are any dependent children and increased again by premiums in certain specific circumstances.
Helpful websites - Direct Gov and Entitled To are both able to help you decide if you may qualify for the help we offer and other state benefits.
