Benefits

Housing benefit is an income-related benefit to help people on low incomes to pay their rent.

Council tax benefit is an income-related benefit to help people on low incomes to pay their council tax.

These benefits can provide financial help for you if you are:

• Unemployed or unable to work (for example if you are claiming income support, jobseeker's allowance)
• Working but on a low income (for example if you claim tax credits or work-part-time), OR
• In receipt of any other low income (for example, state pension, pension credits)

These benefits are different from any council tax discounts and exemptions that might also reduce the amount of council tax you pay.

If you need more information about other benefits such as income support, jobseeker's allowance and tax credits, visit the DirectGov website.

Read more about benefits below or you can download and print our claim form.

Who can claim housing benefit?

You can claim housing benefit if you are:-

• a tenant renting from a landlord or housing association
• a tenant renting via a 'share ownership scheme'
• someone living in a hostel
• someone living in a hotel
• someone living in a mobile home
• a boarder whose rent includes meals

Housing benefit can not help with mortgage payments. Go to the DirectGov website for more help with this.

Who can claim council tax benefit?

You can claim council tax benefit if you are:

• a home owner, or
• responsible for paying council tax for the home you live in
• you actually live in the property you pay council tax for

What is second adult rebate?

Second adult rebate is a different type of council tax benefit.

If you are the only adult (person aged 18 years or over) living in your home you may be entitled to a single person discount. This means your council tax bill is reduced by 25%. If another adult comes to live in your home your discount will normally end and you will be asked to pay 100% of your council tax bill.

However, if the second adult who moves in is on a low income you may be able to get second adult rebate.

Council tax benefit and second adult rebate cannot be paid together. You will only be granted whichever gives you greater.

Who can claim second adult rebate?

You will be able to claim second adult rebate if you are:

• thehome owner, or liable to pay council tax for the home you live in and a second adult who has a low income lives with you

The "second adult" cannot be your partner, or a joint owner or tenant of the property you both live in.

No other person must be paying rent to live in your home. This benefit is based on the total gross income of the adult living with you. Your income and savings are not counted.

You can read more about:

• How to claim benefit
• Use our on-line benefit calculator
• Our "One Hour" benefit claim service
• Where to go for other help and advice

You can also contact us if you need more help and advice.