Benefits Homepage

For help with your rent if you are the tenant of a private landlord go to Local Housing Allowance.

For help with your rent if you are the tenant of a Housing Association, such as Tor Homes, go to Housing Benefits.

For help with your Council Tax go to Council Tax Benefit.

These are national schemes designed to help people with limited incomes pay their rent and Council Tax bills. The schemes are largely funded by the government but run by local councils.

Both schemes work by comparing your ‘income’ against your ‘needs’ – using figures provided by the government. If you have a partner your income and needs will be considered jointly.

Benefit changes
See our Housing Benefit Changes page.

Further information

For more details of the Housing Benefit scheme go to Housing Benefits (DirectGov).
To find out if you may be entitled to other benefits go to Benefits Adviser (DirectGov) or Turn2us.
For free independent advice about all benefit from the Citizens Advice Bureau go to South Hams CAB or telephone them on 0844 111 444; their advice lines are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Monday to Friday, or
Visit My Advice Gateway.
Search for jobs, careers, childcare, and voluntary work at the JobCentre Plus (DirectGov) site.
Visit the National Debtline website for free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.

How to contact us

We are open during the following times except for public holidays and certain days over Christmas (details will be available on the Council’s website during December)
Phone us: phone lines open 8:30 - 5:00, Monday to Friday.
To make a new benefit claim: 01803 861158.
To report benefit fraud: 01803 861381.
Other benefit or council enquiries: 01803 861234.
Email us: customer.services@southhams.gov.uk
Please note, if you email us we will acknowledge receipt of your email, but we will not deal with your request by email if it involves disclosing any personal information. We will either telephone or write to you.
Write to us: SHDC, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, TOTNES, TQ9 5NE.
Fax us: 01803 866151.
Visit us at: Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE.
Office opening hours 8:30 - 5:00, Monday to Friday.

Service Standards

For details of the level of service we aim to provide to you, please see the document below.
Benefits and Council Tax Service Standards