Benefits | ipswich.gov.uk

If you are on a low income and need help and advice about the support available to help you pay your rent and Council Tax you can find out more about Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Discretionary Housing Payments and how to apply on this page. You can also upload documents to support your application, let us know about changes in your circumstances, manage your account online or report benefit fraud.

Universal Credit has replaced Housing Benefit for most working age claimants. This means if you need help with your rent payments and you are below pensionable age, you will now need to claim Universal Credit. There are some exceptions to this, please visit the Universal Credit website.

* Read about the HMRC scam warning for Tax Credit Customers at: HMRC issues scam warning to tax credits customers - GOV.UK

Benefit calculator

Our benefits calculator will help you find out what benefits you can claim.

The calculator is free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous.

Before you start, make sure you have information about your savings, income, pensions and existing benefits (for you and your partner).

If you run out of time, you can save your calculation and come back to it later, and pick up right where you left off.

Benefit calculator

Also in this section

View your online account

Did you know that if you have a Council Tax account you can view your benefits claim online whenever you like?

Housing Benefit

You can apply for Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent if you’re on a low income.

Council Tax Reduction (low income)

Did you know you can apply for Council Tax Reduction if you're unemployed or on a low income?

Universal Credit

If you’re on a low income or out of work, you will be able to apply for Universal Credit to help with your living costs and rent.

Pension Credit

If you're in receipt of State Retirement Pension and find it difficult to manage all your household costs, you may be entitled to Pension Credit.

Evidence upload

Upload evidence required for your housing benefit and/or council tax reduction claim.

Change in circumstances

The page explains how to report any changes to your circumstances that could affect your housing benefits or council tax reduction.

Make a claim

Find out if you qualify for any Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction using our online calculator and then claim online.

Online forms

A list of online forms to apply for and manage Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and related services.

Extra help: Discretionary Housing Payments

Money is available to help people who receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still do not have enough money to pay their rent.

Debt Respite Scheme – Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a scheme that gives applicants time to take steps towards managing their debt.

Landlord Portal

The Landlord Portal allows you to view and download your Housing Benefit payments, notification letters, and Discretionary Housing Payment information online.

Benefit information and advice

More information about your Benefit or Council Tax reduction claim. Find out about local housing allowance, under-occupation, decisions, payments, overpayments, fraud and more.

Local housing allowance

Information for tenants and landlords, room rates and other guidance.

Housing Benefit Determinations

Different rules apply prior to the introduction of Local Housing Allowance

How and when we pay Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction

Information about how and when we pay benefits

Online forms

A list of online forms to apply for and manage Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and related services.

Medical Benefits

Learn about benefits and financial support available if you're disabled or have a health condition, including those based on work ability, support needs, or caring for someone who does.

Benefit/Reduction information for students

If you are a student, you may be able to claim housing benefit and council tax reduction, or receive a council tax discount.

Information for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans

Find essential information for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans from across Ipswich Borough Council.

Tell us about your experience of using our website