Apply for Housing Benefit
Apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
You must use this service to apply for housing benefit and council tax support, unless you are claiming Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance.
We will usually pay benefit from the Monday after we receive your claim form.
It is important that you make your claim as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the information we may ask for.
You can use the benefit calculator to check which benefits you can claim.
Information we need
You will need to supply proof of:
- identity
- capital, savings and investments
- benefits, allowances or pensions
- earned income and any unearned income
- rent
- dependants
- student status and student income
Check the full list of documents that we will accept.
How to apply
Our online application is currently unavailable until week beginning 2 December whilst we carry out a significant upgrade. If you urgently need to apply during this time you can get in touch with us using our contact form.
You can submit supporting proofs for your claim by email to benefits@welhat.gov.uk. Screenshots taken from a mobile device will be accepted and will speed up the processing of your claim.
If you are a couple, you and your partner have to make a joint claim. You need to complete all of the sections that apply to you and your partner and other members of your household, otherwise we will have to return the form for completion which will delay your claim.
In exceptional circumstances you can claim from an earlier date.
The quicker you can supply all the documents, the quicker your claim will be paid.
You can also contact us at benefits@welhat.gov.uk if you need the application in an alternative format.
If you are housebound and need help to fill in a claim form you should contact us to arrange a home visit.