Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support Service

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.

Housing Benefit is changing from 1st April 2013 for people who rent from a social sector landlord.  Find out more here.

Council Tax Support (formerly Council Tax Benefit)

From 1st April 2013 Council Tax Benefit is changing to Council Tax Support.  In Westminster there are no changes to the way you receive your payment or to the amount you receive.  If you are already receiving Council Tax Benefit you do not need to reapply as you will automatically qualify for the new support.  Further information is available here. 

Full details of Westminster's Council Tax Support Scheme.

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

Making a claim

You can get more information about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support by visiting www.gov.uk.  If you make a claim for Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance you will be invited to also claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

Find out about Local Support Payments here.