Housing Benefit is a government scheme, administered by the Council, which provides help towards paying your rent. It can be used to pay your rent and other associated costs such as maintenance of communal areas. It does not help with day to day living costs such as food or heating.

Housing Benefit Appeals

If you think our decision is wrong you have the right to: ask for an explanation of our decisionask us to reconsider our decisionappeal against our decision Asking for an explanation of our decision If you want us to explain our decision you must write to us within one calendar…

Who can claim Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is now only available to the following groups: customers over Pension Credit age, customers living in supported accommodation and customers who have been place by the Housing Department in temporary accommodation. If this doesn't apply, you can apply for Universal Credit for help with housing costs.

How do I claim?

It is a joint Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction application form. You can complete the online form by clicking below. Benefit and Reduction Application Form Do not delay in submitting the form to us as you may lose Benefit/Reduction to which you are entitled. You can claim up to 13 weeks in advance,…

Overpayments

An overpayment occurs where Housing Benefit is paid to which there is no entitlement. This could occur following delayed notification of a change in circumstances, e.g. increased earnings, addition to the household, starting work or a change of address. Normally, any overpayment will need to be repaid, but where it…

Landlords

Housing Benefit payments are normally made at intervals of four weeks, in arrears. Thus there are 13 payments in a calendar year, so each four-weekly payment will not equate exactly to a month's rent. If your tenant is subject to Local Housing Allowance then their Housing Benefit will be paid…

How do I report a change in my circumstances?

How do I report a change in my circumstances? Online change of circumstances form How do I report a change in my self-employed income? Online income from self-employment form Whilst getting Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Reduction you have to tell the Council's Benefits Service if your circumstances, or those…

How much can I get?

When we receive an application for Housing Benefit we will look at your circumstances and see whether you are eligible and, if so, how much Benefit you should be paid.  We will usually make a decision within 14 days of receiving a completed application form and associated information. If we require further details…

Non-Dependants - Housing Benefits

What is a non-dependant? This is someone, usually 18 or older, who normally lives in your home. They are often: An adult son or daughter Another relative Any adult who does not pay rent or Council Tax at the property Non-dependants are not: Dependant family members for whom benefit is…

Benefit Forms

On this page you'll find a selection of forms relating to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Third Party Authorisation Form Proof of Rent Form Underlying Entitlement Form Employer's Certificate - Proof of Earnings Proof of Child Care Form

Housing Benefit Review

If we have recently written to you to advise you that you are required to complete a review form then please use the link below. Housing Benefit Review Form Please do not use this link to make a new application, or to report a change in circumstances. Please ensure that…

Aiimee Digital Assistant Icon

Aiimee - Rother Digital Assistant

Ask me a question!