Housing benefit is a national scheme which the Council administers on behalf of the government. It can provide help with up to 100% of your rent. (But we may reduce it if we think the rent you pay is too high or the accommodation is larger than you need. We may also reduce it if you have any non-dependants living with you other than on a commercial basis e.g. an adult son or daughter, or an elderly relative.).

The government decides the minimum amount you, and other members of your household, need to meet your basic living requirements. The amount of Housing Benefit you are entitled to is worked out by comparing your income against these needs. (If you have a partner your joint income and needs will be considered).

The government decides the levels if income and needs we must use in making this calculation. The income figure we have to use is the money you receive after deductions have been made for Income Tax, National Insurance and half of any private pension payments. We don't count some income at all including: earnings of £5.00 per week if you are single, £10.00 per week for a couple, £25.00 per week for a lone parent and all of any Attendance Allowance, War Pension or Disability Living Allowance.

We also have to 'assume' a level of income on any savings you may have irrespective of how much you actually receive. If you have over £16,000 savings you cannot qualify for any help - unless you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

The more rent you pay the more likely it is that you will qualify for some help. Housing Benefit cannot help with the cost of fuel or meals or service charges for personal laundry or household cleaning.