08 February 2012We operate the Housing and Council Tax Benefit scheme on behalf of the government. The scheme is defined by legislation. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are help with rent and Council Tax for people on a low income. Housing Benefit is paid to people who pay rent. Council Tax Benefit is paid to people who pay Council Tax.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are means-tested benefits. In other words your income, savings and investments must be below a certain level for you to qualify. There are two types of Council Tax Benefit: Main Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate.
These pages are intended to give an indication of the rules and limitations that we have to use when calculating entitlement.
Important news about Housing Benefit changes from January 2012 for single people aged 25 to 34 who rent from a private landlord
The Government is making changes to the way Housing Benefit is calculated for those who are single and aged 25 to 34 and rent from a private landlord. If this applies to you, read our new leaflet to find out what is changing, and what you need to do now.
Important news for Housing Benefit customers re changes to Local Housing Allowance
Starting from 1 April 2011, over the next few years the DWP are making major changes to Local Housing Allowance arrangements, including how the LHA rates are worked out.
Important news for Housing Benefit customers re payment methods
We no longer make payments by cheque. Housing Benefit payments will be paid directly into a customer's bank or building society account. A free step-by-step guide to basic bank accounts can be obtained via www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
Do you need leaflets in another language?
The national benefit leaflets can be found at www.benefit-leaflets.org These leaflets can be downloaded/viewed in the following languages: Polish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Portuguese, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu, Vietnamese and Welsh.
If you need help communicating with us or understanding details on our website, please contact us on 01732 227000 stating your language and telephone number.
