How to make a claim for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

To make a claim you need to download and fill in a Welfare Benefit application form.

You can also get an application form from your nearest One Stop Shop or by calling (0151) 606 2002.

Please contact us if you cannot fill in the form.

Remember:

• hand your application in as soon as you can
• provide all the requested items of proof. We cannot pay your benefit until we have seen all the evidence we have asked for
• use the same form to claim help towards Council Tax (Council Tax Benefit) and free school meals
• you won't get any benefit if you don't claim.

We promise to prioritise your claim and aim to process it by the end of the next working day if you give us all of the relevant evidence and information we need at the time you make your claim.

After you have completed the form

If you qualify for benefit we will contact you as soon as possible and tell you how much it will be. This is likely to be within 14 days.

We will also contact you if you do not qualify for benefit.

When is the benefit paid from?

Benefit is normally paid from the Monday after we receive your form.

Remember:

• answer all questions that apply or your benefit cannot be worked out
• return the form to us as soon as possible and send in proof later
• your benefit cannot be worked out until we receive all the proof we need
• only complete one form if you are married or living with someone as though you are married, although both signatures are needed

Backdating claims

If, due to exceptional circumstances you were unable to claim at the correct time, it may be possible to backdate your benefit. If you think this may apply to you, you will need to do the following:

• put your request in writing
• provide details of the date you wish to claim and the reason why you did not claim earlier. You should provide evidence to support your claim. You can download a form to claim backdated benefit.

We will then consider whether you have shown good cause for not claiming earlier. This can be paid for a maximum of 6 months for working age people.

People who have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit may have their claim treated as made earlier up to a maximum of three months without having to show good cause.

Further information about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is available in the following leaflets:

How to claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit leaflet
Help with Rent leaflet
Help with Council Tax leaflet

If you are under 25 or you are a student then different rules apply. For more information see the following leaflets :

Housing and Council Tax Benefit and Council Tax for Students leaflet
Help with Rent for Young People leaflet