main content Council Tax and Housing Benefit

What are Housing and Council Tax Benefit?

Housing and Council Tax Benefit are national welfare benefits which help people on a low income pay their rent and Council Tax liability.

• Housing Benefit – help towards paying rent.
• Council Tax Benefit – help towards your Council Tax.

There are two types of Council Tax Benefit:

• Main Council Tax benefit is for people who are on a low income
• Second Adult Rebate is for people who may not have a partner but who share their home with someone who is over 18, is on a low income and does not pay rent

Both Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit are means tested.

This means that we have to take into account your income, savings and investments when deciding whether you are entitled.

If you are receiving Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (income based) or on a low income with capital less than £16,000, you may be eligible for housing benefit.

Claim forms can be obtained by contacting us, your local Citizens Advice Bureaux and some housing associations.