Benefits
Information on housing benefit, council tax reduction, rent allowances (private tenants), free school meals, benefits assessment, benefits fraud, intervention and the benefits service contact details. Use the online calculator to see if you qualify for Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance.
Benefits advice
Information on making complaints, appealing against a decision, back dating benefits, changes to be reported to the Council and contact details.
Benefits application forms
A range of forms for download, in pdf format, or completion online for all benefit claims and appeals and to notify a change of address or circumstance.
Benefits calculator
The benefits calculator will give an indication of how much benefit (eg Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance) and tax credit you could get, and find out about claiming specific benefits.
Benefits FAQs
Based on questions we are regularly asked, this section will guide you through the benefits process.
Benefits fraud
If you are aware of someone who is fraudulently claiming benefit you should report him or her to the relevant department.
Council tax reduction
From 1 April 2013, Council Tax Reduction will replace Council Tax Benefits. The new scheme reduces the amount of Council Tax people on a low income have to pay.
Free school meals
School children of parents or carers who receive support payments may be eligible for free school meals.
Housing benefit
The Welfare Reform Act means that there will be changes to Housing Benefit. The changes include a cap on the amount of benefit paid, a reduction in benefit to households that have more bedrooms than are needed and a new scheme will replace the Disability Living Allowance.
Local housing allowance
Local Housing Allowance came into effect on 7 April 2008. It is for tenants who rent from private landlords.
Local welfare assistance
Welfare assistance is a local scheme to help people who have an unexpected emergency or crisis, or need help to live independently in the community.
