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?
Q: Can I claim Housing Benefit/apply for Council Tax Reduction if I work?
Yes, you can claim Housing Benefit and apply for Council Tax Reduction if you work and receive a low income. We will need to see evidence of your earnings. You will need to provide either:
- Your last five pay slips, if you are paid weekly
- Your last two pay slips, if you are paid monthly
- If you have only recently started work and not yet been paid, ask your employer to provide an estimate of your gross earnings, tax and National Insurance deductions (as a Certificate of Earnings). We will use this information to calculate your housing benefit and council tax reduction until you receive actual details of your earnings.
Are you unsure whether you qualify for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction because you work? You can use our online Benefit Calculator to get an estimate of the benefit/award you could receive if you make an application.
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?
