Housing Benefit

If you're making a new Housing Benefit claim (and are of working age), you may have to claim Universal Credit instead. Please visit our Universal Credit page for more information.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance help people on a low income to pay their rent.

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

• Your (and any partner's) income and savings

• Who lives in your household

• The amount of rent you pay

If you rent your home from a private landlord we may not work out your housing benefit on the full rent charged but on the relevant Local Housing Allowance Rate.

• Find out more about Local Housing Allowance for private tenants.

If you rent your home from a social landlord the rent used to work out your Housing Benefit may be reduced if you have more bedrooms than you need.

• Find out more about Housing Benefit for social sector tenants.

You may not be able to claim Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance if you have claimed Universal Credit. Universal Credit will help with your housing costs, unless you are in Supported Accommodation.

• Visit the GOV.UK website for further information on who should claim Universal Credit.

Making a claim

You can find how much Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support you may be entitled to before you make a claim by using the benefit calculator.

Apply online for Housing Benefit

If you are unable to apply online please call our helpline on 01642 393829.

Evidence required to support your application can be uploaded using the online evidence form below.   

Evidence of Identity and National Insurance Number – original documents are not required at this present time and evidence can be uploaded using the online evidence form.

Please note - The online claim form cannot be submitted until all mandatory questions are answered.  You can identify where there are errors on the form by selecting the Show Errors button.  Customers using a mobile device will find the Show Errors button in the Menu option at the top of the screen.

Providing Evidence

Use this form to submit evidence documents online to support your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claim. 

Provide Evidence Online

Requesting Housing Benefit for two homes

There are certain times when it is unavoidable to pay rent on two homes and in these cases we may be able to pay benefit on both.

Apply for Housing Benefit for two homes

Payment of Housing Benefit direct into your account

Your Housing Benefit can be paid directly into your bank account or building society current account. We cannot pay benefit into post office accounts.

Apply to have your Housing Benefit paid directly into your account

Sharing information with your landlord

Sharing information with your landlord could help us deal with your claim more quickly and reduce the risk of you falling behind with your rent because of your claim being delayed.

Ask us to share information with your landlord

Youth Trainee

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and someone in your household aged 18 years or over becomes a youth trainee, your claim may be affected by this change and you need to let us know by completing this form.

Apply online for a Council Tax Discount for Youth Trainees

Apprentices

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and someone in your household aged 18 years or over becomes an apprentice, your claim may be affected by this change and you need to let us know by completing this form.

Apply Online for a Council Tax Discount for Apprenticeships 

Advice and guidance about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support

Find out how you can get advice and guidance about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.