Housing and council tax benefit frequently asked questions

• What is housing and council tax benefit?
• What is local housing allowance?
• What is second adult rebate?
• Who can claim housing and council tax benefit?
• How much would I get?
• What is an applicable amount?
• I want to know more where do I go?

What is housing and council tax benefit?

Housing and council tax benefits are national welfare benefits.

The purpose of the housing benefit scheme is to help people on low incomes to pay their rent.

There are two forms of council tax benefit. Main council tax benefit helps people on low incomes to pay their council tax. For a small number of people second adult rebate is available. This is based on the gross income of other adults living in the claimants household. Claimants who may qualify for both main council tax benefit and second adult rebate will qualify for whichever is the higher of the two.

[Back to top]

What is local housing allowance?

Local housing allowance (LHA) is a new form of housing benefit that has been introduced by the Government. LHA comes into force in Plymouth from 7 April 2008 and will apply to all new housing benefit claims from tenants who rent accommodation from private landlords.

[Back to top]

What is second adult rebate?

Second adult rebate is a benefit you can claim if your income, savings or investments are too high for you to qualify for council tax benefit.

You may claim second adult rebate if you have at least one non-dependant adult, who is on a low income, living with you. Under normal circumstances a partner or lodger will not entitle you to claim second adult rebate.

[Back to top]

Who can claim housing and council tax benefit?

Anyone who has a legal liability to pay rent on their home may claim housing benefit.

Anyone who has a council tax liability may claim council tax benefit.

It costs nothing to claim but you must complete an application form which is available from the benefits section, council housing offices or download an application form from this site.

[Back to top]

How much would I get?

I am on income support or job seekers allowance (income based)

You would receive maximum benefit. This is 100% of the eligible rent (set by the Rent Service) and/or eligible council tax less any non-dependant deductions for people living with you over the age of 18 years. These rates are set annually by Central Government.

I am not on income support but I receive a low wage or a small pension.

If you have no income or your net income is less than the government say you have to live on (or equal to it), then you would receive maximum benefits.

If your net income exceeds your applicable amount, you would receive:

Maximum benefit eligible rent, less 65% of your excess income deducted from the eligible rent.

Maximum benefit for council tax, less 20% of your excess income deducted from the eligible council tax.

[Back to top]

What is an applicable amount?

The applicable amount is the figure used in calculating housing and council tax benefit. It reflects the basic needs of you and your family. If you are on income support or job seekers allowance (income based) the Benefits Agency has already worked out your applicable amount and that is what you receive in those benefits.

Applicable amounts are the same for housing and council tax benefits.

I want to know more, where do I go?

For further information, visit the Department of Works and Pensions website.

[Back to top]