It is YOUR responsibility to claim Housing Benefit. Headrow can offer assistance in completing claim forms but you must ensure that you provide Housing Benefit with all the necessary documentation and keep Headrow informed on the progress of your claim.
What is Housing Benefit?
Housing benefit is paid to people on a low income who rent their home. It can pay some or all of your rent depending on your circumstances. Housing Benefit may not pay for elements of your service charge such as individuals heating, hot water and water charges, this amount will be payable by the resident.
How is it worked out?
Your Council looks at a number of aspects to determine how much benefit you will receive,
· how much income you and your partner have coming in - wages, some
benefits and tax credits, and things like occupational pensions
· how much you need to spend on things like childcare
· your savings and your partner's savings
· your circumstances-such as your age, the ages and size of your family,
whether you or any of your family are disabled, and whether anyone
who lives with you could help with the rent
The government works out what someone in your circumstances needs to live on.
If your income is more than the government's amount, you will have to pay some or all of the rent yourself. The higher your income, the more rent you will have to pay. If it is over a certain amount you will have to pay all the rent.
Housing benefit can be paid directly into your rent account. So, for example, if the rent for your home is £50 a week, and you are entitled to £30 housing benefit, you pay only £20 a week yourself.
How do you claim housing benefit?
Claim straight away. If you delay you will lose benefit! You can claim up to 13 weeks before you become entitled to housing benefit. So claim now if you know you're moving to a new address, or if your circumstances are about to change
Change of circumstances?
If you are receiving housing benefit and your circumstances change you must tell the Council straightaway.