What’s happening with benefits?
Due to COVID-19, we have received a larger number of requests and questions about Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction eligibility.
The Government’s recent advice is that those affected should apply for Universal Credit. This will help you with your living costs and housing costs if you pay rent to a landlord.
You can apply here: Apply for universal credit
You can also visit the new government website to find out what support you might be able to claim. It covers things like housing, furlough, sick pay and self-employment.
There’s a handy FAQ section for those already claiming benefits or making a new claim.
What support is there for self employed people?
The Government announced help for self-employed people who have lost income due to the Coronavirus. Financial Support is available in the form of a grant through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
- You cannot apply for this scheme, HMRC will contact you if you are eligible. They will then invite you to apply online.
- This is a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to £2500 maximum per month for the next 3 months, subject to meeting certain criteria.
If you are not eligible for the scheme you may be entitled to Universal Credit, providing you meet the usual criteria.
For more information go to: Employment and benefits support.
Support for zero hours workers
- If you are a zero hours worker you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay
- If you are not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay you could be eligible for the new Employment Support Allowance and or Universal Credit
For more information go to: Employment and benefits support.
Support for furloughed workers
If your salary is reduced as a part of the Furloughed worker scheme, you may be eligible for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
For more information go to: COVID-19: guidance for employees
If you have COVID-19 or are staying at home
If you have COVID you are now able to claim Universal Credit and (if required) can access advance payments upfront without needing to attend a Jobcentre.
For more information go to: Employment and benefits support.
Support for households
You may be able to get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit if:
- You are currently in or out of work
- You are on a low income
- You have lost income due to the coronavirus and need financial help with your mortgage, rent, council tax, food and bills
In April 2020 the standard allowance in Universal Credit and the basic element in Working Tax Credit was increased by £20 per week for one year. This will apply to you regardless of whether you are a new or existing Universal Credit claimant, or an existing Working Tax Credit claimant.
From April 2020 the Local Housing Allowance rates increased to the 30th percentile of market rents. This applies to you if you are a private renter, whether you are a new or existing Universal Credit housing element claimant, or an existing Housing Benefit claimant.
How to claim Housing Benefit
To claim Housing Benefit you must fall into one of the following;
- You and your partner are of pension age
- You are working age and living in Supported Accommodation
- You are working age and living in Temporary Accommodation under the Homeless Person Act
If you fall into one of the categories listed, above you can apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support here: housing benefit page
What to do if you don’t qualify for Housing Benefit
If you do not fall into the categories, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. It is for:
- People in or out of work
- Supporting your rental costs
Did you know?
- If you are making a new Universal Credit claim you can claim Council Tax Support at the same time? To do this you must indicate that you pay Council Tax on your Universal Credit application.
- We will automatically receive your Council Tax Support Claim. Once your Universal Credit has been processed, your Council Tax Reduction claim will be processed at the same time.
If you need help with your Council Tax, please email Benefits and give your name and National Insurance number.
This will help us monitor your Universal Credit claim.
What to do if your Universal Credit claim is refused
- If your Universal Credit claim is refused, you will need to apply for Council Tax Support through the link in the next section
- If you are not sure about applying for Universal Credit and want to find out more about it, please see the following guidance: Employment and benefits support.
Help with Council Tax
You may be eligible for Council Tax Support if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax.
- We have a new Working age Council Tax Support scheme. This is an income banded scheme, based on household size and weekly income.
- For residents of pension age, there are rules that are used to calculate the amount of Council Tax Support
- To get Working age Council Tax Support you must have savings of less than £6000.
- If you are eligible for Council Tax Support, you could see a reduction in your council tax bill of either: 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% depending upon your weekly income and household size.
- If you do not fall into a reduction band detailed below you will not receive any Council Tax Support.
The Reduction bands and household categories are detailed in the grid below.
| Council Tax Reduction Level | Passported | Single £ | Couples £ | Family with One Child £ | Family with Two or more children £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band A – 100% | Relevant Benefit | 0.00 to 110.00 | 0.00 to 160.00 | 0.00 to 210.00 | 0.00 to 260.00 |
| Band B – 75% | N/A | 110.01 to 150.00 | 160.01 to 200.00 | 210.01 to 250.00 | 260.01 to 300.00 |
| Band C– 50% | N/A | 150.01 to 200.00 | 200.01 to 250.00 | 250.01 to 290.00 | 300.01 to 340.00 |
| Band D – 25% | N/A | 200.01 to 250.00 | 250.01 to 300.00 | 290.01 to 340.00 | 340.01 to 380.00 |
For more information go to: council tax support page.
Council Tax Hardship Fund
If you are of working age and your are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you might be eligible for support from the Council’s Council Tax Hardship Fund.
Please contact the Benefits Team:
- By email
- By phone on 01653 600 666
The Government has announced that working age, council tax support customers will receive a further reduction of £150 to their council tax bill for 2020/21.