A Guide to Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Reduction

Anyone who has to pay rent can apply for Housing Benefit, even if you are in work and on a low income.

In some cases, even though someone has to pay rent, they are not always entitled to Housing Benefit. For example when someone:

• Lives with a close relative, who is also the landlord
• Sets up a tenancy in order to take advantage of the Housing Benefit scheme e.g. on a non-commercial basis
• Has income which is too high to qualify
• Has capital or savings in excess of £16,000
• Falls into categories which are excluded from claiming eg. certain students.

Anyone who has a liability to pay Council Tax can apply for Local Council Tax Reduction, even if you already get a discount on your Council Tax i.e. if you live alone.

You can claim even if you work and have a low income.

In some cases, even though you have a liability to pay council tax you would not be entitled to Local Council Tax Reduction. For example when someone:

• Has income which is too high to qualify
• A working age customer has capital or savings in excess of £6,000

To find out how to make a claim, click How to Claim below:

Fast Track Benefits Processing Service

We are committed to processing new applications for benefit in the quickest possible time.
We are constantly looking at new procedures and technology that will make it easier and quicker for our customers to claim.
We have successfully introduced an initiative called the Benefits Fast Track Processing Service.
We aim to assess your claim for benefit within 2 working days if you provide all of the information that we need at the time of making your claim.

How does it work? - 3 Key Steps:

STEP 1

Call in and see one of our customer services advisors or if you are housebound or work during our normal office hours, we will visit you.

STEP 2

Complete the application form and provide all the required information and evidence that the claim form asks for.

STEP 3
Submit your claim and that's it! So long as you have provided everything we need we aim to assess your claim within 2 working days.

What information will I need to provide?

1. Proof of Identity & National Insurance Number
    For you and your partner (if relevant) - at least 2 of the following:

• Original Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Gas / Electricity or Water Bill
• Driving Licence
• NHS Medical Card
• Marriage Certificate
• Benefit Entitlement Letter or Payment Books
• UK Residence Permit
• EEC ID Card
• Credit Cards

2. We need to see proof of ALL income for you and your partner (if relevant) For example:

• Wage slips
• Benefit Payment Books or Award Letters
• Recent bank statements
• Proof of any other investments
• Proof of any other income

3. We also need to see proof of the income of anyone else who lives with you:

• Proof of your Rent
• Your latest Tenancy Agreement
• Your Rent Book
• Or Written Confirmation from your Landlord

In order to make a new claim telephone our Counter Services Team on 01543-464292 or email your contact details to counterservices@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.
So long as you provide all the information that is requested, we aim to assess your claim within 2 working days.

Use the on-line calculator to estimate how much benefit you may be entitled to.

To find out what other benefits you may be entitled to, visit the Direct Gov website or call the benefits helpline number on 01543-464292.