…you can claim if you are working?

Housing and Council Tax Benefit is not just for people out of work. These benefits are designed to help anyone on a low income – so long as you have a liability to pay rent and/or Council Tax of course.

Already claiming but thinking of taking on a new job? If you are starting a new job, it’s now even easier to claim while you’re working – Jobcentre Plus can now fill in the forms and collect any evidence we need – without you needing to contact various different offices. Contact us or your local Jobcentre Plus for more details.

…you can work and still get some disability benefits?

Did you know that if you are receiving disability benefits such as Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance you can take part in permitted work? The income you receive from this may not affect your Housing and Council Tax benefit. Get in touch with your local Jobcentre plus for more details.

…you can claim if you are self employed?

It doesn’t matter who you work for – if you are on a low income you can still claim benefit. For more information on claiming if you are self employed, check out our Self Employed factsheet.

…you can claim if you own your home?

It doesn’t matter whether you rent or own your home; if you are on a low income we could still help you with your Council Tax.

…there is other help available from us?

If you receive Housing Benefit but need more help to pay your rent, you may be entitled to extra financial help from us.

We have a limited amount of money which we can spend each year to help people who need help with these housing costs. This extra help is called Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) (See "Related Link" to Benefit still not enough?).

…you could still get help with your Council Tax even if your income is too high?

Second Adult Rebate is usually for single householders who share their home with one or more adults, who are not their partner. They could be their grown up son, daughter, relative or friend. Second Adult Rebate looks at the income of the second adult, so if you live with someone on a low income get in touch – we may be able to help.

…we disregard some Child Care Costs?

If you work and have to pay for childcare, we may be able to allow for this when working out your benefit as long as your child minder is registered. If you qualify, we could disregard up to £175 (for one child) / £300 (for two+) of your income per week.

….the savings thresholds have changed for the Over 60s?

From November 2009, the amount of savings you can have before they affect your benefit has increased from £6,000 to £10,000. This could mean you qualify for more benefit.

…we no longer include Child Benefit in your income?

From November 2009, if you receive Child Benefit this no longer counts towards your income when we work out how much benefit you are entitled to. This could even mean you qualify for more.