Frequently Asked Questions
Council Tax
- My Landlord is threatening to evict me what do I do?
- My claim has been processed but from the wrong date, what do I do?
- What do I do if I am a new claimant?
- What do I do if I want to pay my council tax?
- My Housing Benefit has been processed but my council tax account does not show any benefit - what do I do?
- How do I notify you of changes in my circumstances or change of address?
My landlord is threatening to evict me what do I do?
We have provided an emergency phone number for anyone facing eviction proceedings. Please do not call this number unless you are facing imminent eviction, as this number is for genuine emergencies ONLY, and staff are unable to provide advice or information about other claims. The number is 020 8356 3102.
My claim has been processed but from the wrong date, what do I do?
If this happens the Department of Work and Pensions rules say you must 'appeal' against the decision. You can only do this in writing, and it must be done within 6 weeks of receiving the notification from the Council. You should explain the reasons for your appeal, and attach any receipts or other proof/information you may have to support your appeal.
What do I do if I am a new claimant?
If you wish to make a new claim in Hackney, you should pick up a claim form from one of these offices, namely First Stop shop, neighbourhood offices, libraries or Citizens Advice Bureau. You can also write to request a form, but this will take longer (the address is above).
You can also register a claim for Housing Benefit if you are claiming Income Support or Job seekers allowance at the Benefits Agency. You will need to complete a form 'NHB 1'. When the Council receives this form from the Benefits Agency, we will send you a Council claim form to complete.
We would like you to carefully complete the form, and ensure you provide all the information we request, and send this to us, at our new office.
What do I do if I want to pay my council tax?
We would prefer you to always make your Council Tax payments by Direct Debit. We provide details of how to arrange this with every bill, and within payment books. This is the safest and most convenient means of payment, and the best way to avoid arrears that would lead to legal action. Alternatively, you can pay your bill at our cashiers office situated at 2 Hillman Street (behind Hackney Town Hall).
My housing benefit has been processed but my council tax account does not show any benefit - what do I do?
If you think that you are entitled to Council Tax Benefit, and this does not appear on your bill (i.e. reduce it), you should immediately write to the Council Tax service at Keltan House. You should advise them that you are receiving Housing Benefit but have not received your Council Tax Benefit. This should avoid you being involved in any legal action.
However, you will still be expected to pay your proportion (if any) of your Council Tax bill, on the due date. If you are unsure how much this should be, then you should, at least, pay the amount you were paying last year.
Provided you have written to us, then we will process your Council tax Benefit as soon as possible. We will write to you if we require any further information.
How do I notify you of changes in my circumstances or change of address?
There is a special form attached to your claim form entitled 'Changes in Circumstances'. You should use this to notify us of any changes. If you do not have this form, write the details of your change including the date your circumstances changed in a separate letter. Forms and letters should be sent to us at Keltan House.
Fore more information see the Council Tax web page.
Page updated: 18 Sep 2008