I am self-employed, can I still claim?

If you are self-employed, you are entitled to apply for benefit in the same way as any other person. In order for us to work out your benefit we will need to see your latest accounts. If you do not have accounts, or you have been trading for less than a year, please ring the Benefit section on 01803 861234 for a self employed earnings form.

What happens if I can't pay all my rent?

If you are likely to suffer exceptional hardship as a result of us restricting your Housing Benefit, you can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments.

Can I appeal against the Rent Officer's decision?

If you are unhappy with the Rent Officer's valuation of your rent, you can appeal. Any appeal should be made in writing to the Council and we will then request the Rent Officer to arrange for your case to be reviewed. A different Rent Officer will undertake the review and decide whether the original decision is correct. If it is decided the rent is too low, you may be awarded more benefit. However, it may be decided that the rent is too high and your benefit may be reduced.

Can I appeal against the Council's decision?

Yes, if you are not happy with the way your benefit has been worked out you can ask us to look at your claim again. Any such request must be made in writing within one month of us sending our decision about your benefit.

Can I find out how much benefit I will get before I move into a property?

If you have not moved into a private property, but need to find out how much benefit you would get, you can ask for a Pre-Tenancy Determination. This will tell you how much rent the Council will base it's calculations on. Pre-Tenancy Determination forms are available from the Benefit Section. You will need complete this form giving details about the property you have in mind and declaring your intention to claim Housing Benefit. The landlord will also need to sign the form. We will send the form to the Rent Officer and ask him what the maximum rent for Housing Benefit purposes will be for the property. The Rent Officer will tell both you and us what this maximum rent will be. When you have received the Pre-Tenancy Determination, you should call the Benefits helpline and we can give you an estimate of your entitlement over the phone. But please remember it is only an estimate and not a determination of benefit. When you call us you must have ready details of all your income, savings and personal circumstances. We will tell you roughly what benefit you will receive if you decide to move in and make a claim.