If you pay rent to a landlord, you should apply for Universal Credit for help with your housing costs.
You can claim Housing Benefit if you are of Pension Credit age or live in temporary or supported accommodation.
You can check your entitlement using the calculator for Pension Credit on Gov.uk
You can check your entitlement to benefits on the Turn 2 Us website, using the benefits calculator
You can apply online to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support,
Housing Benefit entitlement will normally start from the Monday following your date of first contact with a designated authority (ie Council Offices, Department of Works and Pensions).
If you are reporting a change in circumstance that affects your Housing Benefit/Council Tax Support, we aim to respond within 6 days of all supporting information being provided.
If you are contacting over a new claim for Housing Benefit and Council tax Support we will aim to respond within 15 days of all supporting information being provided.
Backdating
If there are good reasons, such as illness, why you couldn't make a claim earlier for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support, you can request backdating.
You can request backdating by completing the section on your application form. Alternatively, please contact us in writing confirming the date you wish Housing Benefit to be considered from and confirm the reasons for the delay in claiming.
Our maximum Backdating are as follows:
- Working Age
- Housing Benefit -1 month
- Council Tax Support - 6 months
- State Pension Age (66 years+) – maximum 3 months
If you require further assistance, please call 01902 696000 or email benefits@sstaffs.gov.uk