Can I claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?
You can claim housing benefit if you have to pay rent to live in your home and/or council tax benefit if you have to pay Council Tax.
Both these benefits are based on your (and your partner's) income, savings, family circumstances and the amount of rent and council tax you have to pay.
By partner we mean a person
- you are married to
- have a civil partnership with
- live with as their husband, wife or civil partner.
You can also get council tax benefit if you do not have a partner but live with another adult who is on a low income. This is called Second Adult Rebate and it is based on the other adults income.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, download, complete and return the application below. Click on the PDF icon:
The following guidance notes will help you complete your application. Click on the PDF icon below:
Can I get my claim dealt with more quickly?
Yes. You can apply to have your claim fast tracked.
When am I not eligible to claim housing benefit or council tax benefit?
You cannot claim housing benefit or council tax benefit if:
- You and your partner have more than £16,000 of savings and investments between you, unless you get Pension Guarantee Credit. (Or you are applying for Second Adult Rebate).
- You pay rent to a close relative who lives in the same home as you do
- You own the place where you live - you may not get housing benefit, but may be able to get council tax benefit
Can I claim housing benefit and council tax benefit if I work?
Yes you can, if you work and have a low income.
Use our benefits calculator to see how much you could be entitled to.
When making a claim, we will need to see proof of your wages (please send consecutive payslips)
- Your last five payslips if you get paid weekly
- Your last three payslips if you get paid fortnightly
- Your last two payslips if you get paid monthly
- If you have just started work and not been paid yet, ask your employer to let us have an estimate of your wages, and of your Income Tax and National Insurance payments.
We will also need proof of your (and your partner's) other income and savings/capital.
We will use this to work out your benefit until you get full details of your earnings.
Do I need to tell you if circumstances change?
You must tell us straightaway if you (or your partner):
- stop or start work after you have made your benefit claim and/or there is a change in
- the hours you work
- who you work for
Can I claim housing benefit and council tax benefit if I am self-employed?
Yes, you can claim if you are self-employed and get a low income from your business. You will need to send us your most recent accounts with your claim form.
Where can I get further information about benefits?
Pension Service
DWP (Department for Work and Pensions)
Benefit and related information
Claim DWP Benefits on line
Contact us
Contact the Benefit Service at Wolverhampton Council. Click the link for our contact options.