Housing and Council Tax Benefit

Homes in Havering (HiH) is committed to ensuring everyone receives benefits to which they are entitled. It is also committed to the prevention of abuse of the benefit system, and the protection of public funds.

What are Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit?

Council Tax Benefit helps people on a low income pay their Council Tax.

Housing Benefit (sometimes called rent rebate or rent allowance) helps people on a low income pay their rent. Whether you get help, and how much, depends on:

• your income
• your personal circumstances
• who lives in your home
• the amount of Council Tax and rent (if any) you have to pay

Please note that from Monday 2 November 2009 there are going to be some important changes to the way Housing and Council Tax Benefit are calculated. For more information please see Important changes to Housing and Council Tax Benefit

What should I do if I need help or advice on benefits?

If you need any help or advice about benefits you should telephone the number shown in the contact details above right or call into one of our Public Advice & Service Centres.

If you are contacting us to enquire about an existing claim, please have any documentation you received from us to hand together with any reference numbers you have been given.

If you are sick or housebound and unable to get to the Public Advice & Service Centres, please telephone the call centre to arrange a home visit.

Alternatively, write to Benefits Services.

Online Benefits Calculator (Webben)

You can now use our online benefits calculator Webben to estimate how much Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit you may be entitled to.

Remember that this calculation is an estimate based on the information you supply. For a full evaluation you will need to make a formal claim as soon as possible. Usually, benefit will only start from the Monday after the Council receive your form.

Updated on 04/01/10