What is Housing and Council Tax benefit?

Council Tax Benefit
This is a benefit paid by your local Council, based on Government rules, that helps you meet the cost of your Council Tax.

It is paid to people who are liable for Council Tax, (the person whose name is on the bill), and who have a low income, whether they are working or not.

It is a means tested benefit, this means we will need to know about all your income and capital in order to see if you are entitled.

Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is similar to Council Tax Benefit except it is used to meet the cost of your rental accommodation, for either Council properties or private tenancies.

Housing Benefit can pay up to a 100% of your rent although it will not meet all the service costs your landlord might charge. If you are a private tenant we will pay up to a rent level that is at or below the local average.

If you are renting from a private landlord, for further information please read the section on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

For further information you can download our guidance leaflet in Adobe's pdf format.

 Introduction to Council Tax and Housing Benefit (173 kb)

 Who can claim Housing or Council Tax Benefit