Housing and council tax benefit
Council Tax Benefit
This is a benefit paid by your Council, based on Government rules, that helps you meet the cost of your Council Tax.
It is paid to people who are liable for Council Tax, (the person whose name is on the bill), and who have a low income, whether they are working or not.
It is a means-tested benefit, this means we will need to know about all your income and capital in order to see if you are entitled.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is similar to Council Tax Benefit except it is used to meet the cost of your rental accommodation. Rental accommodation can include lodging, shared ownership schemes, liability for caravan site charges, liability for mooring charges and charges for adult placement or supported accommodation schemes amongst others. Housing Benefit is not normally payable if you are living in a registered care home.
Housing Benefit can pay up to a 100% of your rent although it may not meet all the service costs your landlord might charge. If you are a private tenant, claiming for the first time or following a change of address, we will pay up to the Local Housing Allowance for your household needs.