03 September 2010We 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 for Housing Benefit customers
From 1 November 2010 we will 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.moneymadeclear.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.
