Benefits

Find out about housing benefit, council tax reduction and local housing allowance - how to claim, change your details, query our decision or report benefit fraud.

Covid-19: Benefits advice

If your income has been affected by coronavirus and you need help, there is a wide range of support available.

You must keep us informed of any changes to your circumstances immediately after they happen. This is even if you have already told the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or another council department.

Self-isolation support payments

If you are on a low income and are unable to work because you have been told by NHS Test and Trace that you have to self-isolate, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment of £500 as part of the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment scheme. From 08 March 2021, parents or guardians of children who have been told to self-isolate by their school or childcare setting will now be able to make an application.

Online forms

These online forms are available for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction

View your online account

You can access information on your council tax account or business rate account; or access housing benefit claim and council tax reduction details.

Evidence upload

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

Make a claim

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

Can a bank take housing benefit to pay my overdraft?

No, banks are not allowed to use housing benefit or any other benefit to repay an overdraft. You can protect your housing benefit payments by telling your bank it should only be used to pay your rent. This protection is called a 'first right of appropriation of funds order'.