Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
Do you qualify
If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to other council benefits, for example council tax discount and exemptions, free school meals or assistance with school clothing.
Find out what benefits you can get
Housing Benefit
If you are aged 18 - 21 years
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to Universal Credit towards your rent.
If you are on a low income
You could get Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent if you’re on a low income. Housing Benefit can pay for part or all of your rent. How much you get depends on your income and circumstances. If you are of working age you should now apply for help with your rent as part of your Universal Credit claim.
If you are over working age
If you are married, civil partners or living together as a couple, you should only make one application for benefit. You may be entitled to Housing Benefit as long as:
- You are part of a low-income household
- You have to pay for rent
- You don't rent your home from a close relative who lives with you
- Your total savings, investments and capital are under £16,000 unless you receive Guarantee Pension Credit
- You don't receive or have applied for Universal Credit (this covers your rent payments)
Council Tax Reduction
This helps with your Council Tax bill, but there is no reduction on water and waste charges. Apply for Council Tax Reduction if you think these are true:
- You are part of a low-income household
- You are only claiming benefit for 1 house (the house you live in)
- Your name is on the Council Tax bill
- Your total savings, investments and capital are under £16,000 unless you receive Guarantee Pension Credit
Second Adult Rebate
If you do not qualify for Council Tax Reduction you may be able to get Second Adult Rebate instead. If you have to pay Council Tax and you have another adult living in your home who is on a low income (but who is not a paying lodger, a person paying Council Tax jointly with you, or your partner) you may get help with your Council Tax. This may give you a deduction of up to 25 per cent from your Council Tax.