If you rent a property you may be entitled to financial assistance from the Council towards paying your rent.  This help is known as Housing Benefit.

This section explains what Housing Benefit is, how to make a claim and what information is needed from both you and your landlord.  You do not have to tell your landlord that you have claimed benefit, and the Council cannot discuss your benefit claim with your landlord unless you have given your permission for them to do this.

What Is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit gives financial help towards housing costs for people on a low income.

Almost all claims for Housing Benefit are referred to the Rent Officer.  Further information is available on the Rent Officer page.

How to make a claim

You can complete the on-line Benefit form or download and complete the Benefit application form and the Certificate of Earned Income, sign them and return them to us. 

Information we need about the Tenancy

1. the date the tenancy started 
2. the date you actually moved in (which can be different to the tenancy start date) 
3. the amount of rent 
4. the number of rooms in the property 
5. which rooms you occupy
6. the name and address of the landlord 
7. a tenancy agreement or a letter from the landlord showing the date the tenancy started, the amount of rent charged, and any services which are included in the rent - for example heating, council tax.

We also need to know immediately if you move out to prevent overpayment of benefit being made.

How is Housing Benefit paid?

Your Housing Benefit can be paid direct to you or your landlord.

    
Notes

1. benefit will continue as long as there is entitlement to it
2. claimants must provide details of changes in their circumstances to the Benefit Team immediately 
3. Housing Benefit will generally only be paid while you live in the property 
4. benefit entitlement ends immediately when you leave the property
5. entitlement to benefit may continue during a temporary absence from home

Appealing against a decision made about your Housing Benefit

You can appeal if you think your Housing Benefit is incorrect.  An appeal form is available to download, complete and return to us.