Benefits FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How long does my application take to process?
Q: From what date will my Housing Benefit be paid?
If your Housing Benefit claim is successful, we usually pay benefit from the Monday following the date we receive your claim form. There are a number of exceptions to this rule:
- If you are of pensionable age, we can automatically backdate your claim up to three months before you submitted the form. Certain conditions apply. Please see Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction for older people for further details.
- If you submit your Housing Benefit claim form in the same week that a new rental or council tax liability starts, we can pay your claim from the day your liability began.
- If you receive any of the following benefits: Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) or Income Support and you submit your claim within one month of a new rental or council tax liability, we can pay your claim from the day the liability began.
- If you are awarded one of the passported benefits mentioned above and make a new claim for Housing Benefit within one month, we can pay your claim from the Monday following the day you became entitled to that benefit.
In some circumstances we are able to award backdated benefit. See the FAQ Can my claim be backdated?
Q: Can I claim Housing Benefit/apply for Council Tax Reduction if I work?
Q: I am self-employed - what information do I need to provide?
Q: What is Local Housing Allowance?
Q: I am a joint tenant. How will this affect the LHA I receive?
Q: Why do I have an housing benefit overpayment?
Q: How will the Housing Benefit overpayment be recovered/paid back?
Q: I might be starting work - how this will affect my benefits/award?
Q: Can my landlord be paid my Housing Benefit?
Q: How do my savings or capital affect my benefit/award?
Q: I receive Housing Benefit but cannot pay my full rent. Can I get any other help?
Q: What is a non-dependant deduction?
Q: I think you have calculated my Housing Benefit incorrectly?
Q: Local Housing Allowance and the Shared Accommodation Rate?
