Benefits
Major Changes to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from
April 2013
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Application
Online benefit Calculator
Changes to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
2012/2013
From April 2012 the Government is making several changes to
Housing Benefit and Council Tax
Benefit
New rules from January 2012 if you are you under 35
and claiming Housing Benefit.
What 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 (see 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.
Claimants Guide to Housing and Council Tax Benefit
A guide is attached to assist in the completion of the Benefit
Application Form.
Contact
Address: Director of Resources, Civic Offices,
Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU
Tel:
01446 709244
Email: benefits@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk