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Housing Benefit - General Information

What is Housing Benefit?

To work out your benefit we must compare the money you have coming in each week with the money the Government says you need to live on. How much you get depends on the following:

• Your savings
• Money you have coming in
• Your age
• Children in the household
• Whether you are disabled
• Any other adults who live with you
• The amount of rent you have to pay

If you have a partner we must also take account of their personal details.

Housing Benefit is not paid for any part of your rent that covers services such as water rates, fuel costs or meals.

How is Housing Benefit worked out?

We look at the following:

• Money you and your partner have coming in, including earnings, benefits, tax credits and occupational pensions.
  
• Your savings and your partner's savings. The first £6,000 of your capital is disregarded. (£10,000 if over the age of 60)
  
• Your circumstances, such as your age, the ages and size of your family, whether you and any of your family are disabled and the circumstances of anyone else who lives with you. 

Local Housing Allowance

From 7^th April 2008, new claims for Housing Benefit are worked out using the Local Housing Allowance Scheme. For further information click here.

When does benefit start?

Benefit is normally paid from the week after we receive your claim.

Once your claim has been finalised you will receive a notification letter informing you of any entitlement and how your benefit has been calculated. It will details the income and savings we have use din determining your claim. Please take care to read through this information and check that all is correct - if anything is incorrect please contact us immediately.

Making a Claim

If you wish to make a claim for Housing Benefit or have any queries contact the Customer Contact Centre on (01785) 619478.

Alternatively you may download an application form and the accompanying notes by clicking the appropriate links. Warning: these are large (16 page) documents.

For Further information -

Contact:  Customer Contact Centre
Email:      benefits@staffordbc.gov.uk
Phone:    01785 619478