Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to assess my benefit entitlement?
How much Housing/Council Tax Support will I qualify for?
What is the criteria for claiming backdated benefit and how can I make a claim?
How will I be paid?

How long will it take to assess my benefit entitlement?

How long it takes to work out your claim depends on how quickly you send in all the information and how busy we are when you make your claim.

If you are making a new claim for benefit our aim to assess your entitlement within within a calendar month.

If you have notified us of a change in your circumstances, our aim is to amend your benefit claim within 20 days.

If you disagree with our decision and have asked us to look at it again, we will respond within within a calendar month.

How much Housing/Council Tax Support will I qualify for?

Any Housing/Council Tax Support claim is assessed on individual circumstances.
For a trial calculation please contact us direct or go into any of the Customer Service Centres where staff will calculate any possible entitlement to Housing/Council Tax Support
Alternatively, complete and return a benefit application form and notification of your entitlement (if any) will be sent to you in writing, as soon as possible.

What is the criteria for claiming backdated benefit and how do I make a claim?

Housing Benefit can be backdated up to a maximum of 3 months for people of state pension age.
Reasons for backdate must show "good cause".
A backdate request must be made in writing on either the benefit application form or in a letter, clearly stating the reasons why you want your benefit backdating.
Backdates may be considered up to one month for Council Tax Support

How will I be paid

Housing Benefit is paid every four weeks, in most cases 4 weeks in arrears.

Housing Benefit is paid to the tenant unless circumstances allow Housing Benefit be paid to the landlord.

Payment is made by BACS directly into your bank account .

Council Tax Support will be paid straight to your Council Tax account. You will receive a bill showing any amount you have to pay after benefit has been awarded.