If you make a claim for Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance you can claim council tax benefit at the same time. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will complete a claim for you over the telephone, if you specify that you wish to claim council tax benefit at the point that you make your claim for Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance. The DWP will forward your application to us. However we may need to write to you to request addtional evidence.
If you do not make a claim for Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance, you must complete and return our housing and/or council tax benefit application form along with supporting evidence, which is detailed at the back of the form. You should do this as soon as possible so that you do not lose any benefit.
Application forms are available at our one-stop shops, at housing offices or by telephoning our customer contact team on 01454 868002. The service is available:
Monday – Thursday 8.45 to 5.00pm
Friday 8.45 to 4.30pm |
Alternatively you can download an application form from this page.
If you are aged 60+ and applying for pension credit, you can also make a claim for council tax benefit at the same time. The Pension Service will issue a shortened application form for you to complete and sign.
The form then needs to be forwarded to us.
Supporting information
You will also need to give some other information with your form. If you are working you must give proof of your earnings. If you work for an employer we need:
- Your last 5 payslips if you are weekly-paid
- Your last 3 payslips if you are fortnightly-paid
- Your last 2 payslips if you are monthly-paid
- Your payslips must be the originals. We cannot accept photocopies
If you are self-employed we need a copy of your recent accounts. Your accounts must be the originals. We cannot accept photocopies.
We also need two forms of identification for yourself (and your partner). These must be the original documents. We cannot accept photocopies. Valid identification includes:
- A valid driving licence
- Birth certificate
- National insurance card
- Medical card
- Benefit payment book
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce papers
- Identity card
- Credit card
- UK residence permit
- Home Office standard acknowledgement letter
- Life assurance or insurance policy
- A recent utility bill
- A current wage slip
- A recent bank statement
- A letter from your solicitor, social worker, probation officer or the Inland Revenue
If you cannot provide these documents straight away, still return your claim form. However, you must send your documents to us as soon as possible. We cannot work out your benefit without them.
Full details of what supporting evidence is required can be found at the back of the application form.
If you are not applying for pension credit, you must complete and return our housing and/or council tax benefit application form. You should do this as soon as possible so that you do not lose any benefit.
If you require assistance in completing the application form please contact our customer contact team on the above number for further information.