Housing Benefit

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FAQs

• What is the best way for me to send in my identification?
• I am leaving my home temporarily. Do I need to tell the Council?
• Can I receive a Discretionary Housing Payment?
• Can someone else in my household claim Housing benefit while I am away?
• Do I need to tell the Council if things change while I am away?

What is the best way for me to send in my identification?

Please do not post important documents like passports or birth certificates. You can bring them into one of our local service centres instead.

I am leaving my home temporarily. Do I need to tell the Council?

Yes, you need to tell us if you or your partner go away temporarily and how long you expect to be away. This could include things like going into hospital or visiting a friend or relative. See our section on going away for more information.more...

Can I receive a Discretionary Housing Payment?

You could be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment if you are already getting Housing benefit or Council tax benefit but you do not get the full amount. Please see more information on Discretionary Housing Payment.

Can someone else in my household claim Housing benefit while I am away?

If it seems likely that you won't get Housing benefit while you are away, it might be more appropriate if someone living in your home claims Housing benefit instead. This would normally be your partner, but in some circumstances we might be able to accept a claim from someome else who lives with you.

Do I need to tell the Council if things change while I am away?

Yes, even while you are away you need to tell us about any changes that would affect your Housing benefit. This includes the usual things like income and savings and changes affecting the people who live in your home. It also includes changes to the length of time you expect to be away and changes to your reasons for being away.

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