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Benefits

What are housing benefit and council tax benefit?

Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance are government schemes to help people on low incomes or getting some state benefits to pay their rent.

Council Tax Benefit is a government scheme to help people pay their council tax. Anyone who pays council tax can claim, including owner-occupiers - you do not have to be a tenant.

Can I apply if I work, or get other benefits?

Yes, you can claim if you are working and on a low income.

You can also claim if you receive other benefits such as job seekers allowance, income support, employment support allowance, or a pension (depending on how much your pension is).

The amount of benefit you get will depend on your income, savings, and family circumstances. You can use the online Benefits Calculator to get an estimate.

There is also the second adult rebate to help with council tax. You can claim this even if you are not on a low income but are responsible for the Council Tax and share your home with one or more adults in certain circumstances. Find out more about the second adult rebate.

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What is Local Housing Allowance?

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) has taken effect from 7 April 2008. It is an easier and fairer way to work out how much Housing Benefit we can potentially pay. It is based on your household requirements not the actual size of the property. For more information on What is LHA and LHA rates please follow the link.

LHA explained

 

**The Charter Mark sign no longer applies to Benefits & Community Welfare. However the new Customer Excellence Mark has been applied for. **

 

 

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