Benefits FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How long does a claim take to process?
Q: From what date will my benefit be paid?
Q: Can I claim Housing Benefit if I work?
Yes, you can claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit 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 until you receive actual details of your earnings.
Are you unsure whether you qualify for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit because you work? You can use our online Benefit Calculator to get an estimate of the benefit you could receive if you make a claim.
Q: I am self-employed - what information do I need to provide?
Q: What is Local Housing Allowance?
Q: What LHA Category/Bedroom Rate do I qualify for?
Q: I am a joint tenant. How will this affect the LHA I receive?
Q: Why do I have an overpayment?
Q: How will the overpayment be recovered/paid back?
Q: I might be starting work - how this will affect my benefits?
Q: Can my landlord be paid my Housing Benefit?
Q: How do my savings or capital affect my benefit?
Q: Why has my entitlement decreased when I have had no change in income or rent?
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 benefit incorrectly?
Q: When will the April 2011 LHA changes affect me?
Q: What is a Shared Accommodation Rate?
