Housing and Council Tax Benefits 

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support are help with rent and Council Tax for people who are on a low income.

You may be able to get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support if:

• You are responsible for making rent payments for where you live; and/ or
• You are responsible for paying council tax

• A Council property
• Privately rented accommodation - this includes paying rent to a private landlord, a Housing Association or a Co-op, or if you are a boarder or sub-tenant
• A Hostel

If you live in a hostel or you are a boarder or a sub-tenant you cannot get Council Tax Support.

If you have a mortgage, your housing costs can be met through Income Support, Income-based Job seeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit). You can claim Council Tax Benefit from us.

There are some people who cannot get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, even if they are on a low income.

For example, if:

• You have more than £16,000 in savings, unless you are getting Pension Credit
• You pay rent to a close relative and they live in the same home
• You do not have to pay rent or council tax for your home
• You are a person from abroad, and are subject to immigration control
• You are a full-time student (there are some exceptions to this)