Council Tax and Housing Benefit

Council Tax and Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit can help you meet the cost of your rent. You may qualify for benefit if you are on low income and your savings (joint savings if you have a partner) are £16,000.00 or less. Even if you and your partner’s savings or income are too high you may still be entitled to some Council Tax Benefit (but not Housing Benefit) if there are other adults on low incomes living with you.

Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit could help pay towards some, or all, of your Council Tax bill if you are on a low income, even if you own your own home.

The maximum amount of Council Tax Benefit payable is 100% of the charge. The amount you will get will depend on your individual circumstances. This will include your age and whether you live alone.

Your Council Tax Benefit will normally be deducted from the Council Tax bill that we send you.

If you wish to claim Council Tax Benefit and / or Housing Benefit or would like more information Council Tax Benefit or would like more information about the schemes, contact your Benefits Office or complete parts B and C of the tear-off slip at the end of this booklet.

You can get more information about Council Tax Benefit by visiting www.dwp.gov.uk

If you claim Pension Credit, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance you will also get a form to claim Council Tax Benefit with your application.

If you wish to see a member of staff in person regarding either your Housing or Council Tax benefit you can visit one of our reception offices, dependant on which is the most convenient for you. These offices are open between 8.30 am and 6.00 pm. and are located at:

Third Floor, Westbourne House
14-16 Westbourne Grove London W2 5RH

and

180 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1ER

If you have any queries about Benefits, please call the Westminster Benefits Service on 0800 072 0042 (Freephone).

We also offer a full translation service from all of our offices and a minicom on 0845 0700 281.

Fraud

The City of Westminster takes fraud against it seriously and wants to hear what you have to say.  If you suspect that a benefit fraud is taking place, please report it to the council.