Contents

  1. Who can claim and how much
  2. Make a new claim
  3. Backdating claims
  4. Income and how it affects your benefits
  5. Savings and investments
  6. Deductions for other adults
  7. Proof needed to support claims
  8. Acceptable proof documents for benefit claims
  9. Sending documents to support claims

Housing Benefit 

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit.

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:

  • you have reached State Pension age
  • you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing

Please read Housing Benefit: Eligibility (GOV.UK) for more information about eligibility.

How much you can get

You may get help with all or part of your rent. There’s no set amount of Housing Benefit and what you get will depend on your circumstances. To find out how much you could get, see Housing Benefit: What you'll get (GOV.UK).

Council Tax Support 

Council Tax Support can help you pay your Council Tax if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits.

You can only make a new claim for Council Tax Support if both of the following apply: 

  • you live in the property you are making a claim for
  • you are liable to pay Council Tax

Usually, you will not get Council Tax Support if:

  • your savings are over £16,000 - unless you get Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit
  • you’re subject to immigration control and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds

Full eligibility information is available our Consultations and official text page, but you do not need to read this to make a claim.

How much you can get

You may get help with all or part of your Council Tax. There’s no set amount of Council Tax Support and what you get will depend on your circumstances. To find out how much you could get, please make an application.