Service Description: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are benefits paid by Local Authorities to help towards the cost or Rent and Council Tax. Council Tax Benefit will be replaced on 1 April 2013 by the new Council Tax Support Scheme.
Also known as:- Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit
Answer: If you claim Pension credits the Pension Service may give you a form for you to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. You need to fill in the form and send it back to us straight away so that we can work out your benefit. If you are intending to claim Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefit and you are of working age you will need to contact the Jobcentre Plus on 0845 6026710 and indicate that you wish to claim Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Benefit in addition to Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefit. The Council will receive the claim for Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Benefit direct from Jobcentre Plus to enable an assessment to be made. If you are not claiming one of the above benefits you can apply for Housing and or Council Tax Benefit by filling in our claim form, and giving us the proof we need to assess your claim. You can download an application from our website (see below) or a form can be sent on request or obtained from any of our offices, for further information telephone (01983) 821000 If you are claiming Housing Benefit from a private Landlord you will need to request a Pre-Tennancy Determination form if you have not claimed at this address before. Forms can be sent on request or obtained from any of our offices, for further information telephone (01983) 821000 - Related Link