Housing and Council Tax Benefit

The Council is now offering a new service on its website to all residents of the Borough. It is called "OPENGedling" and you can register as a user simply by clicking here open.gedling.gov.uk.  You can also email enquiries to OPENGedling@gedling.gov.uk .

You can claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit to help with your rent and/or your Council Tax.

Housing and Council Tax Benefit are "means tested" benefits.  Your income is compared with your "needs allowance" which is laid down by the Government and is dependant on your household circumstances.  These benefits can be claimed by anyone on a low income, who has capital of less than £16,000.  There is no capital limit for people who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.

People in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based) or the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit will usually receive full benefit (unless they have anyone non-dependants living with them) up to their maximum eligible rent and maximum Council Tax.  Tenants of privately rented accommodation (excluding Housing Association properties) will be paid at the appropriate Local Housing Allowance rate and may be lower than the actual rent being charged.  The Rent Service web site will give you details of the amount of Local Housing Allowance used in the Housing Benefit calculation.

If you share your home with one or more other persons over the age of 18 who:-

You may be able to claim Second Adult Rebate for that person.  This could meet up to 25% of the Council Tax Bill.  You cannot get both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate at the same time.  If you qualify for both, you will be awarded the one, which will reduce the Council Tax bill the most.

You can make a calculation of your possible Housing and Council Tax Benefit entitlement by using the Benefit Calculator.  This can also be used to calculate your entitlement for other benefits.  The results of your calculation should only be taken as an estimate based on the information you have supplied.  If you think that you may be entitled to benefit, you should submit a claim as soon as possible and rceive a formal assessment of your entitlement.

To submit a claim you can complete an application_form. and return to the Council's offices at the Civic Centre.  You will need to provide proof of your identity, National Insurance number, income, capital.  If you are claiming Housing Benefit you will also need to provide proof of rent, unless you are a Council Tenant.

You can also request a form by telephoning 0115 9013970 or by e-mailing housingbenefits@gedling.gov.uk  or by visiting our the Council Offices

Attachments

A copy of the Council's leaflets and forms are available below in PDF format.  If you would like us to send you copies of any of these leaflets in the post, please contact us.