Two day Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Fast-Track Service
We are pleased to offer our customers a new fast track benefits service.
All customers who present a fully completed and signed Housing Benefit claim form together with all necessary documentation to support their claim will have the claim processed within two working days.
The Housing Benefit Claim form and supporting evidence will be checked by a Customer Services Adviser before being fast-tracked. You will be notified by the advisor if your claim is eligible for fast-track service. If further information is required when assessing your claim you will be notified in writing, this will delay your claim.
Q: Does this mean that my benefit will be paid within 48 hours?
A: No. We will calculate any benefit due within two working days and a letter will be posted to you. Benefits is usually paid in arrears. Council Tax Benefit will be paid for the remainder of the financial year directly to your Council Tax account.
Q: What evidence do you need to see?
A: A comprehensive checklist is provided on page 23 of the claim form which is available from the
one-ipswich Customer Services Centre in the Town Hall. Alternatively, you can
download the form online. We must see original documents, not photocopies. We will take a photocopy of your documents at the Customer Services Centre and return your originals immediately.
Q: What if I don't have the evidence?
A: We can accept your claim and you will have one month to provide the necessary evidence but the two working day fast-track will not apply. Your Customer Services Advisor will explain the information that is required. For example, we need to see five weeks or two months payslips but if you have recently started a job we may be able to accept your contract of employment or letter of offer as evidence of your earnings.
Q: Can I find out whether I qualify for Housing/Council Tax benefit without making a claim?
A: Yes. Please use the Benefits on-line calculator. This should only be used as a guide. If in doubt, please make a claim or speak to one of the Customer Services Advisors at the
one-ipswich Customer Services Centre.