Housing Benefit
If your income is low you may qualify for Housing Benefit. You can apply for Housing Benefit via your local council (either by form or online) by giving details of your income and household. Please note that Housing Benefit cannot normally be backdated so it is important to apply as quickly as you can. We can help you to complete the form if you would like a hand.
Check your Housing Benefit entitlement! We work in partnership with Benefits departments in local councils and aim to help you to access the benefits you are entitled to quickly.If you want to check whether you could qualify for Housing Benefit, you can use our benefits calculator (see the menu on the left of this page) or contact us on 0300 123 1567.
Avoid claims being suspended! If you receive Housing Benefit from your local council, you should always read letters and provide information requested within specified time limits or this will result in your claim being suspended until information is received. As a result, no rent is paid for this period and can lead to arrears on your account.
Your responsibilities! Please remember you are responsible for informing the council when your rent increases and other income changes so that they adjust your Housing Benefit accordingly. You should also report someone moving in or out of your home or someone in your household starting/stopping work. If you do not do this then it could result in you receiving an overpayment. This will then be deducted from your Housing Benefit and would cause you to have rent arrears which would be your responsibility to pay. If you are not sure how this affects you, please contact us on 0300 123 1567.
Please also bear in mind! Housing Benefit take into account any adult over 18 who is classed as a non-dependant and apply charges based on their income. This reduces your Housing Benefit amount and leaves you with a shortfall which is your responsibility to pay direct to us via rent card, direct debit, standing order and other payment methods.
More information! Our Customer Service team can give you the phone number of the Housing Benefit department for your local council. Please call 0300 123 1567 for the team to assist you. Otherwise, the Direct Gov website can direct you to your local council. www.directgov.co.uk/
You may be able to claim other benefits, for example Income Support or Tax Credit. For more information please contact our Benefits Team on 0300 123 1567 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
