Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an idea of how much benefit I may be entitled
to?
Yes- There is a benefits calculator available on our website
which can give you an estimate on how much Housing 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 the Council Tax
Reduction Scheme?
You must fill in an application form which can be sent to you in
the post or collected from the Customer Service Centre. Once
the form is completed bring it down to Customer Service
Centre 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 £6,000 are not taken into account.
- For people under 60yrs old, when your saving are
above £6,000 but below £16,000 we will calculate a tariff income.
We will add £1 to your weekly income for every £250 your have above
£6,000.
- For people over 60yrs old when your saving are above £10,000
but below £16,000 we will calculate a tariff income. We will add £1
to your weekly income for every £500 your have above £10,000.
- Once your savings exceed £16,000 you will not qualify for
Housing Benefit or the Council Tax Reduction
Scheme .
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 Benefit and Council
Tax Reduction Scheme – even if you do not get any money
from them. The amount that is deducted depends upon the
non-dependant's age and income.
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 Reduction
Scheme 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 6 month, 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.