Important- Housing Benefit changes effective from 1 April 2013
With effect from 1 April 2013 Housing Benefit will change for tenants living in social sector housing e.g. Housing Association properties and properties provided by Registered Social Landlords.
Tenants who have more bedrooms than their family need will be considered to be 'under-occupied' and Housing Benefit entitlement will be affected.
If, under these new rules, it is decided that you have more bedrooms than are necessary for your household your Housing Benefit will be reduced by:
- 14% if you have 1 extra bedroom
- 25% if you have 2 or more extra bedrooms
Please note, these changes will not affect tenants who are of state pension credit age or above.
If you are getting, or thinking of claiming Housing Benefit, or thinking of moving home, you need to consider this change before you renew or make a new tenancy agreement.
Further information regarding 'under-occupation' changes (also known as 'The Bedroom Tax') is available on the following link.
Housing Benefit under-occupation changes leaflet
Council Tax Support is money to help you pay your council tax. If you have a low income you may be able to claim Council Tax Support .
Council Tax Support (formerly known as Council Tax Benefit) will change with effect from 1 April 2013 for working age customers. The definition of a working age customer
is anyone below state pension credit age.
The maximum council tax support available for working age customers will be 80% of their council tax liability . This means that everyone will have to pay some council tax.
The Council has made other changes to its Council Tax Support scheme from April. These are as follows:
- Second adult rebate will be abolished for working age customers
- Backdating of entitlement, will be limited to 3 months, however the requirement to show 'good cause' has been removed.
How much benefit or support will I receive?
When we work out the amount of benefit that you will get, we will look at who lives in your household, the amount of money that your household receives and the amount of capital that you have.
You will not be able to claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support if you have more than £16,000 in savings or capital.
How do I claim?
If you want to claim benefit or support you can download a form, or you can telephone us 01642 774 774 and we will send you form.
Downloads:
Council Tax Support claim forms will be available for download with effect from 25 March 2013
