Housing and Council Tax Benefit

Housing and Council Tax Benefit is assessed by comparing your income against figures provided by the government that reflect your basic needs. This is called your applicable amount.

The applicable amount differs for each person as it relates to you and your family's circumstances. We consider:

• you and your partners age
• any disabilities you or your partner may have
• any children for whom child benefit is payable to either you or your partner
  

Whether you qualify for Housing and Council Tax Benefit depends on many circumstances. When calculating Housing and Council Tax Benefit we will take into consideration

• your income - please note that since 27/10/08 child maintenance is fully disregarded in the calculation and from 02/11/09 Child Benefit will also be fully disregarded
• any savings you may have
• the size of your family
• income from non-dependents (other people aged 18 or over who live with you)

Remember - If you are aged between 16 and 60 and have savings of £16,000 or over, you will not qualify for Housing Benefit. However, if you are over 60 and in receipt of the Guaranteed Credit part of the Pension Credit you may qualify.

By using the Online Benefit Calculator you can find out how much you will be entitled to.