Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an idea of how much benefit I man be entitled to?
Yes- There is a benefits calculator availble on our website which can give you an estimate on how much Housing and Council Tax benefit you may be entitled to.
What do I need to do if there is a change?
If you have a change in your circumstance you must inform us immediately, delay in telling us may create an overpayment which you will have to repay. All changes must be confirmed in writing with a signature.
How do I apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit?
You must fill in an application form which can be downloaded from our website, sent to you in the post or collected from customer services. Once the form is completed bring it down to customer services where one of our advisors will check it and inform you of any addition documents you may need to provide.
How long will it take to assess my claim?
On average it will take two weeks from the time you submit the final piece of information we require
How much of my Savings are taken into account?Saving less than £6000 are not taken into account. When your saving are above £6000 but below £16000 we will calculate a taffif income. For people under 60yrs old we will add £1 to your weekly income for every £250 your have above £6000. People over 60yrs old we will add £1 for every £500 you have above £6000. Once your savings exceed £16000 you will not qualify for Housing and Council Tax benefit.
Why do you reduce my benefit because I have someone who lives with me?
Anyone who lives with you and is over 18 who is not your partner, dependant child, joint tenant or sub-tenant, is called a "non-dependant" and they are expected to help towards your rent. An amount is taken from your Housing/Council Tax Benefit – even if you do not get any money from them. The amount that is deducted depends upon the non-dependant’s age and income. Click here for details on amounts deducted.
What can I do if I disagree with the amount of benefit I have been given?
You can request in writing a revision of the original decision. You will have to state why you disagree and provide documentary proof where necessary.
What happens if I’m paid too much benefit?
We call these overpayments, you will normally have to pay the benefit back. If you have an active benefit claim then we will take weekly deduction out of your on going entitlement. If you are no longer entitled to Housing Benefit we will invoice you for the overpayment. You can set up an installment plan by filling in an income and expenditure form. Council tax benefit overpayments will be added to you bill and you will receive an amended installment plan.
What can I do if I would like my benefit to be awarded from an earlier date?
You can request for the claim for benefit to be backdated up to 26 weeks, however you need to show continuous good cause for a backdate to be accepted. Good cause is a reason to why you did not claim earlier.
If you or your partner are aged over 60 you can request for the claim to be backdated for the previous 3 months without having to show continuous good cause.
For more inforamtion please see our benefit information leaflets