What are Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are state benefits that help people on a low income to pay their rent and council tax.
Both benefits are means-tested - what does this mean?
We look at you and your partners:
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Income
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Savings and investments, and
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The personal circumstances of other adults living in your household
The Government decide an amount that they believe is the minimum that you and your family need to live on each week. This is called your 'applicable amount'.
Once your income goes above your applicable amount then you will start to lose benefit.
Can I claim?
Yes
- You can claim Housing Benefit if you are paying rent on your home
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You can claim Council Tax Benefit if you are the person paying the Council Tax on your home or if you are a homeowner
No
- You cannot claim Housing Benefit if you make mortgage payments for your home
However, if you are having problems paying your mortgage please contact the Department for Work and Pensions on 0845 600 6334, as they may be able to help.
You will still be able to claim Council Tax Benefit if you are liable to pay the Council Tax.
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You cannot claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit if you have more than £16,000 in total savings, stocks and shares or other capital, unless you receive Guarantee Pension Credit
How much will I get?
To work our how much you could get please use our online benefit calculator.
Page updated: 20 Oct 2011
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