Housing Benefit is a national welfare benefit run by Local Authorities to help people on a low income pay their rent.
Anyone who has to pay rent for his or her home may be able to claim Housing Benefit. You can claim even if you are working and live in a council property, privately rented accommodation, a hostel, or other types of rented accommodation (except residential care or nursing homes).
To be entitled to Housing Benefit you must:
You must not:
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Have capital of £16,000 or more *
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Be in a co-ownership scheme.
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Own a home or be in the process of buying a property.
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Be in a residential care or nursing home.
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Be a full time student in higher education
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Live in the same household as, and have to pay rent to, a close relative or employer.
*If you are over 60 different rules may apply
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To claim Housing or Council Tax Benefit, you can complete an online application form or complete a paper application form. The paper application form is available from:
The Revenues and Benefit Office,
Wellington House,
22-32 Wellington Street,
Leicester, LE1 6HL.
Or by downloading a form
Application forms are also available at any of the neighbourhood housing offices, or from the any of the council's Customer Service Centres.
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The amount of benefit you will receive depends on a number of factors - We will consider:
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The total income you and your partner have each week
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The capital you or your partner may have
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Other personal circumstances such as the age and size of your family and any disabilities
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Whether there is another adult in the household (not your partner).
If you are a Council tenant your Housing Benefit will be paid directly into your rent account each week.
If you pay rent to a Housing Association or private landlord your Housing Benefit will be paid to you every four weeks, in arrears.
If you are in receipt of Local Housing Allowance your Housing Benefit will in most cases be paid directly to you. Please see Local Housing Allowance for more information.
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You can download information on claiming Housing Benefit in languages other than English*
*Leicester City Council is not responsible for the content and services on external websites.
