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?
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?
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is not always enough for you to be able to pay your full rent and council tax. If you are finding it hard to pay your rent we recommend you contact your landlord and see if you can negotiate a lower rent.
There is a scheme that can help provide additional assistance called Discretionary Housing Payments. This scheme is not part of the normal Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit schemes.
As the name suggests, we can make payments at our discretion. There are no rules that give anyone a right to a payment, but we may be able to pay you Discretionary Housing Payments if we believe you need extra short-term financial support. The length of your award will normally be appropriate to your specific circumstances.
As the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme is separate from the normal Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit schemes, you do not have the right of appeal to the Appeals Service. However, if you feel that our decision is incorrect, you can ask us to look at it again.
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?
