Housing and Council Tax Benefit

These are national welfare benefits administered by Local Authorities. The purpose of the Housing and Council Tax Benefit scheme is to help people on low incomes pay their rent and/or Council Tax.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit (often called rent allowance) is to help pay your rent. You do not have to get any other benefit to receive this but to qualify for Housing Benefit you need to be on a low income and be liable to pay rent.

From April 7 2008 new claims for Housing Benefit will be processed under the Local Housing Allowance scheme.

   Local Housing Allowance scheme.

Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit helps towards your Council Tax, whether you rent, own your own home or live rent-free. You do not have to receive any other benefit to receive this and it does not matter if you already receive a discount, such as single person discount, on your Council Tax account. To receive Council Tax Benefit you need to be on a low income and be liable to pay Council Tax.

Housing and Council Tax Benefit Claim Form

A claim form to apply for Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit  (156.09 KB) can be downloaded, and returned to Bromsgrove District Council for assessment.

Links

For more information or advice on Housing/Council Tax Benefit or other Social Security Benefits you can contact the following:-

Department for Work & Pensions Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit

Department for Work & Pensions Social Security Benefits

H M Revenue & Customs (Inland Revenue)

Citizens Advice Bureau