Housing benefit
You can only claim housing benefit if:
- you live in temporary accommodation which has been provided by the council
- your tenancy includes care, support or supervision in order for you to live in your home
- you receive Employment and Support Allowance (income based), Job Seekers Allowance (income based), Income Support or Housing Benefit, and the assessment includes a Severe Disability Premium. If you have stopped receiving one of these benefits in the past month, you can still claim housing benefit
- you and your partner have both reached the Pension Credit qualifying age. If only one of you has reached the qualifying age, you must apply for Universal Credit. You can check your Pension Credit qualifying age on the Government's website
- you move within the borough and currently receive Housing Benefit while receiving Universal Credit for your personal income, you can carry on receiving Housing Benefit. If you do move, you must tell us about your change of address by completing our online form
If your circumstances do not match one or more of the above, you must apply for Universal Credit
If you receive Universal Credit, you need to apply for council tax reduction to help pay your council tax.