Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

These benefits are to help people on a low income to pay their rent and council tax.

The amount of any benefit depends on your particular circumstances and takes into account;

your (and any partners') income and savings
who lives in your household
the amount of rent and council tax you pay

Use the web benefit calculator to find out if you may qualify for benefit before you make your claim. If you rent a private property we may not work out your benefit on the full rent charged.

If you are a private tenant and you claimed benefit before 7 April 2008 we referred your rent to the Rent Service for a decision on the maximum rent we can use. The page The Rent Service and Housing Benefit contains further information.

If you are thinking of renting a private property or are already a private tenant and wish to claim benefit go to the Local Housing Allowance information, this includes the maximum rent levels we can use to work out your benefit.

Second Adult Rebate is a type of council tax benefit. It is not based on your income but the income of other people of 18 years and over who live in your home. It is to help you if you would have received a council tax discount if the other people were not living with you. See the section Second Adult Rebate for more information.

Due to the complexity of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit our website only offers information and guidance. If you want to discuss your individual circumstances or to make a claim please call our helpline (01642) 393829.

Helpline opening hours
Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm
Friday 8am to 5.30pm
Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm
A telephone answering service operates outside these hours.

If you prefer you can call into your local Customer Services Centre;
Stockton Customer Services Centre
Central Library
Church Road
Stockton-on-Tees

Thornaby Customer Services Centre
Thornaby Pavilion (Library)
Thornaby Town Centre

Customer Services Centre opening hours
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm
You do not need an appointment but if you prefer you can arrange one by calling (01642) 393829.

Home visits
If you have difficulty calling into our office we offer a home visiting service. Call our visit line on (01642)526674 to arrange an appointment.