Benefits

Housing and Council Tax Benefit are means tested benefits administered by Allerdale Borough Council on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. These benefit schemes are specially designed to help people who are unemployed or on low incomes to pay their rent and/or Council Tax.

What can they be used for?

Housing Benefit can assist with rent payable to private landlords or housing associations.

Council Tax Benefit can assist owner occupiers, people living in rent free accommodation and people living in rented accommodation where they have a liability to pay Council Tax.

Who can receive them?

Applicants who receive Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or the Guarantee Pension Credit are entitled to maximum Housing/Council Tax Benefit.

Applicants with all other types of income will have their claim assessed based on their income and savings.  In all these cases it will be necessary to supply up to date proof of all income, and savings, to comply with Verification Framework.

You can apply for Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit if you have capital/savings of £16,000.00 or less, or if you have more than this are receiving Guarantee Pension Credit.

What can I receive?

The amount of benefit available to you varies, you can complete a benefits calculator online to give you a better idea. The housing and council tax benefits ready reckoner can also help you to calculate if you are eligible for benefits. Visit the new claim section for more information about claiming benefits.

For further information please use the links to the left.