Housing Benefit
What is it? - Sometimes called rent rebate or rent allowance
- Paid by local councils
- You do not have to get any other benefits
Can I get it?Are you: - on a low income?
- paying rent?
If Yes to both, you may be able to claim Housing Benefit. How much will I get?To work out your Housing Benefit, the council will look at: - money you and your partner have coming in, including earnings, some benefits and tax credits and things like occupational pensions
- your savings and your partner's savings
- your circumstances, such as your age, the ages and size of your family, whether you or any of your family are disabled, and whether anyone who lives with you could help with the rent.
The council will also look at whether: - the amount of rent is reasonable for your particular home
- your home is a reasonable size for you and your family
- the amount of rent is reasonable for the area your home is in.
The most Housing Benefit you can get is the same as your eligible rent. This may not be the same as your full rent. How do I claim?Claim straight away. If you delay you may lose benefit. You can claim up to 13 weeks before you become entitled to Housing Benefit. So if you know you are moving to a new address soon, you can claim Housing Benefit. You will not usually receive any money before you move in. It is important that we can be sure of your identity when you make a claim. We may need to ask you about your background and look at any official documents you have to support the information you give. Contact your social security office for a claim form. Find your local office, or the Benefits Agency display advert in the business numbers section of the phone book. More Information For more information or leaflets, get in touch with your local council or your social security office or visit the Department of Work and Pensions website www.dwp.gov.uk Further information and support is also available from your Scheme Manager.
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