Out of hours contact details

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 my claim be backdated?

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: I am unable to claim Council Tax Benefit because my income is too high. However I’m about to lose my single person discount as my adult daughter is moving in with me. Can I claim any other discounts?

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: Can my deposit be paid?

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?

Answer:

You will not normally be affected by the changes until 9 months following your first anniversary date after 1 April 2011. If you have a change in circumstances such as someone moving in or out of your home you may lose the transitional protection and the new rates will apply to you sooner.

See our LHA changes page for further details

Q: My child is disabled and has high dependency on medical equipment. We have had to move into a larger property to ensure we have an extra bedroom for this equipment. Will I be able to claim this extra bed room rate?

Q: What is a Shared Accommodation Rate?

Topics in Benefits

Advertising policy