Benefits

Paying billsWhat is Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?

 

It is help with your Private or Council Rent and Council Tax payments. If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to some help in paying your rent and / or your Council Tax.

 

There are three main types of benefit that can be administered Rent Rebate, Rent Allowance (known collectively as Housing Benefit), or Council Tax Benefit.

 

The benefit paid to Local Authority Tenants is known as Rent Rebate, whilst benefit paid to Private Sector Tenants, including Housing Association tenants, is known as Rent Allowance. There is also a similar benefit paid on the Council Tax, this is known as Council Tax Benefit. Additionally there is also a further Council Tax Benefit that can be claimed, called Second Adult Rebate (details are below).

 

Central Government makes the income and housing cost expenditure rules, but the Vale of Glamorgan Council administers the scheme for them.

 

Housing Benefit can be applied for by anyone who pays rent to a Private Landlord, a Housing Association or to a Local Authority. The amount of Housing Benefit that a person qualifies for depends upon the level of their income and capital, and the number, age and circumstances of people in the claimant's household.

 

Council Tax Benefit can be applied for by anyone who is liable to pay Council Tax (i.e. the person who receives the Council Tax bill, or their partner). The amount that they qualify for is also based upon the principals for Housing Benefit.

 

Second Adult Rebate

If you are not responsible for paying the Council Tax, then the person who is may be able to claim Second Adult Rebate.

 

Second Adult rebate can be claimed by the person who pays the Council Tax if:

That person does not have a partner; and

There are other people over the age of 18 in the property.

 

If the above applies to the person who is liable for the Council Tax, then that person may be entitled to claim Second Adult Rebate. Please see below for details of how to receive a form.

 

Who can apply?

Applications are received from all classes of the population as the criteria for application is based on the income and housing cost expenditure. If in doubt, apply! We are here to help and assist.

 

Benefit Application Form (PDF 150KB)

 

Contact

Address:

Director of Finance I.C.T. & Property,

Civic Offices, Holton Road,

Barry CF63 4RU

 

Tel: (01446) 709244

Email: benefits@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk