Claims are dealt with as quickly as possible but may be held up if any of the proofs asked for on the claim form are missing.

We will write to you if further information is required from you. Failure to provide all information required can delay the processing of your claim and you could lose out on benefit.

If the claim form is received with all the supporting documentation we need, assessments will generally be made within 14 days. You will then receive notification of any entitlement and how this will be paid.

The amount you receive will be calculated based on the following:

• The money you and your partner have coming in, for example, earnings, some benefits, tax credits and occupational pensions
• You and your partner's capital, savings and investments. Such as bank, building society or post accounts, premium bonds, National Savings Certificates, ISA's, stocks, shares and unit trusts
• Your circumstances, such as your age, the number of people in your household, the ages of your children and whether you or any of your household are disabled

If you have not claimed Housing Benefit before you may need to provide personal identification documents for you and your partner, proof of rent (private tenants only), and proof of income. We also have to check your National Insurance Number.

The number of proofs you will need to supply depends on your circumstances and is fully explained in the claim form.

Proof of Identity

• Passport (which must be current and valid)
• Driving Licence
• Recent Bank Statement
• Recent Utility Bill (paid)
• Letter from a solicitor, social worker, probation officer, doctor, Inland Revenue
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Papers
• Medical Card
• Proof of Rent

Proof of Rent

If you are a private tenant we will need to see proof of your rent. Only original documents are acceptable. This can be one of the following:

• Tenancy agreement
• Letter from your landlord
• Rent book with a letter from your landlord
• Letter from your agent
• Proof of rent form

Use the Proof of Rent form if you are a private tenant and are unable to provide original proof of rent.

Proof of Income

You may also need to provide original proof of your income and of your capital and savings. Photocopies are not acceptable. All the information you provide is private and confidential. This may include:

• Various benefit books
• Various letters, award notices for example, from DWP which shows us the amount of income you are receiving
• Wage Slips
• Occupational Pension Slip
• P45/P60 current employment year only
• Tax letters or tax code notices
• Bank statements, share certificates

We want to make sure your claim is assessed correctly from the start. It also has to comply with government regulations and guidance and all evidence asked for on the application form are needed to assess your claim. If you do not provide this, your claim cannot be assessed.

Types of Proof If You Have Recently Moved To The UK

If you have been in the UK for less than 5 years we will need to ask for evidence of your immigration status. This will include either your passport, Home Office papers, visa documents, worker registration documents etc. We will also need proof of your National Insurance Number(s) or evidence that you are to be allocated one.

We have to gather additional details about you and your individual circumstances to make sure you are entitled to claim Housing Benefit.

People Aged 60 Or Over How To Claim If You Get a Pension Credit

The Pension Service pays Pension Credits.

When you make a claim for a Pension Credit, if you do not already get Housing Benefit you will be asked whether you want to make a claim.

When the Pension Service has assessed your entitlement to Pension Credits, they will tell us about this. With this information, we will assess any entitlement to Housing Benefit.

People Aged 60 Or Over How To Claim If You Are Not on Pension Credit

You may not get Pension Credit if your income or savings are too high

You should claim Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction directly from us by filling in a claim form. Once you have filled in the form, send it back to us as soon as possible.

Use the Change of Address form below if you are already claiming Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction and you have changed the address.

Use the Safeguard Application form if you are also claiming Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance) and you want to be paid directly to your Landlord.

It may be of help to you if we can discuss your claim with a person of your choice, for example, to explain what information we need to complete your claim or if you want someone to represent you on a particular matter. To enable us to do this, please complete the authority to disclose form.

If You Have Savings

You can still claim if you have savings.  

Working-age customers The lower capital limit is £6,000 and the maximum is £16,000. If your savings are under £6,000 it will be disregard. If your savings are over £16,000 you will not be entitled.

For any capital over £6,000 but under £16,000;
We count each £250 (or part of £250) and include £1 as income in the benefit assessment.

If you receive Jobseekers Allowance (Income based), Income Support or Guarantee Pension Credit then all your capital is disregarded. 

Customers aged 60+  The lower capital limit is £10,000 and the maximum is £16,000. If your savings are under £10,000 it will be disregard. If your savings are over £16,000 you will not be entitled.

For any capital over £10,000 but under £16,000;
We count every £500 (or part of £500) and count £1 as income in benefit assessment.

If you receive Jobseekers Allowance (Income based), Income Support or Guarantee Pension Credit then all your capital is disregarded. 

If You Have Been Overpaid

If you have been overpaid you will be told about the overpayment, the reasons for it and the amount owed. 

If you receive an invoice for an overpayment of Council Tax Reduction details of how to pay are on the reverse but you can pay online. 

Pay online.