Benefits

In this section you will find information about Council services related to Benefits. The following information is only a general guide, and is not a full and authoritative statement of the law. Contact us for more information.

Housing Benefit is help towards rent for people on low income.

Council Tax Benefit is help towards payment of Council Tax for people on low income.

To claim Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit:

If you want to see how much you might get, use the Benefits calculator, then go to Help with Rent and /or Council Tax Benefit and follow the advice on those pages to get an application form.

Important Changes to Housing Benefit in January 2012 if you are single and under 35

In January 2012 the rules that apply to single people living in self-contained accommodation will change. Find out more.

	Is the ‘credit crunch’ affecting you? Are you on a low or reduced income, but not sure if you can get help with paying your Council Tax or rent? If you aren't already getting help from us - find out here
	Local Housing Allowance This month's rates The Local Housing Allowance rules are changing from 1st April 2011. Find out how this might affect you.
	Changes to non-dependant deductions In the June 2010 Budget, the Government announced that non-dependant deductions will be increased over the next three years.
	Benefit notifications We can send your benefit notifications by email. If you have difficulties reading your paper benefit notifications, please contact us for a larger size.
	Change of Circumstances Tell us online if your circumstances have changed. Or download a form and send it to us. Find out more...
	Paying Housing Benefit into your account We now pay Housing Benefit direct to your bank or building society account
	Elderly customers Don't miss out on money - it’s yours! Find out how we can help you.
	Report Benefit Fraud Tell us about it
	Listening to our customers We listen to our customers and use your experiences to help improve the service we provide.
	Our performance See how we are performing (updated regularly)