Apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support helps you pay your Council Tax if you are on a low income. Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you meet certain conditions.
You can apply for either benefit using the same online form.
Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support helps towards your Council Tax bill if you are on a low income and responsible for paying Council Tax. You can apply whether you are working or not.
Universal Credit does not include help with Council Tax. If you receive Universal Credit, you need to apply separately for Council Tax Support.
Find out who can get Council Tax Support.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit helps you pay your rent if you are on a low income.
You may be able to make a new claim if:
- you have reached State Pension age
- you live in certain supported or sheltered accommodation where you receive care, support or supervision
- you live in temporary accommodation arranged by the Council or in a refuge for people experiencing domestic abuse
If you have a partner who is under State Pension age, different rules may apply. Check Housing Benefit eligibility on GOV.UK.
If you are under State Pension age, you will usually need to claim Universal Credit for help with your rent, unless an exception applies.
Find out more about Housing Benefit.
Local Housing Allowance
If you rent from a private landlord and qualify for Housing Benefit, we usually use Local Housing Allowance rates to work out how much you can receive.
Find out about Local Housing Allowance.
Apply online
You can apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support using the same online form. The form explains what information and supporting documents you need to provide.
Apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.
If you need help with your application, you can get help to make a benefit claim. This includes support by phone and home visits for people who qualify.
Send us documents
If we ask you for evidence, or you need to send documents after applying, you can upload your documents online.
After you have applied
- View your claim summary to check your award information and view letters if you have registered for electronic notifications
- Report a change of circumstances as soon as possible so we can make sure you receive the correct amount
- If you disagree with a decision, you can request an explanation, revision or appeal (PDF)
Other help you may be able to get
- Housing Payments: extra help if your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover your full rent, or with removal costs
- The Crisis and Resilience Fund: short-term help if an unexpected expense or loss of income leaves you unable to afford essentials
- Pension Credit on GOV.UK: extra money if you have reached State Pension age and are on a low income
- Benefits calculator and money help: check which benefits, discounts and social tariffs you could get
- Help with the cost of living: help with energy, water, food and other costs