Housing Benefit

Claiming Housing Benefit

If you pay rent to a landlord, you should apply for Universal Credit for help with your housing costs.

You can claim Housing Benefit if you are of Pension Credit age or live in temporary or supported accommodation.

You can check your entitlement using the calculator for Pension Credit on Gov.uk

You can check your entitlement to benefits on the Turn 2 Us website, using the benefits calculator

You can apply online to claim Housing Benefit.

Housing Benefit entitlement will normally start from the Monday following your date of first contact with a designated authority (ie Council Offices, Department of Works and Pensions).

Backdating

If there are good reasons, such as illness, why you couldn't make a claim earlier, your can request backdating for up to 1 month.

You can request backdating by completing the section on your application form. Alternatively, please contact us in writing confirming the date you wish Housing Benefit to be considered from and confirm the reasons for the delay in claiming.

Your housing benefit can be backdated for up to three months if you are of pension credit age, you don't have to give reasons for not claiming earlier.

Council Tax Support

Your claim will automatically be registered as a claim for Council Tax Support, if you are liable to pay Council Tax.

If you require assistance in claiming, please call 01902 696668 to arrange a telephone appointment or email benefits@sstaffs.gov.uk