Advice and benefits > Benefits

Backdating Housing and Council Tax Benefit
A claimant may be eligible for their claim to be backdated if there is a valid reason why they were unable to apply for their council tax benefit earlier
Benefits - fraud investigation
The local authority aim to detect and prevent any fraudulent benefit claims, stopping and reducing payment in fraudulent cases and preventing over-payment claims.
Benefits - hospitalisation
A person claiming benefits who is admitted to hospital must notify the local authority that deals with their claims for housing and council tax benefit.
Council tax - account enquiries
The council tax service provides householders with information relating to their council tax and payments. This may include information on payments, arrears, discount eligibility etc. and copies of bills.
Council tax - annual notification
Council tax is payable on domestic dwellings and is charged by the local authority to pay for the services it provides. The council tax rates should be published each year together with information on how rates are assessed, eligibility, how to pay etc. The council should also provide information on how to appeal if you think your council tax bill is incorrect.
Council tax - appeals
A claimant who may be affected by a relevant decision regarding council tax benefit may request the local authority to revise its decision and also the independent appeals tribunal to consider the revised decision.
Council tax - band reductions
The local authority may give a band reduction in order to recalculate the amount of council tax payable if a permanently disabled person lives in a dwelling with certain features which are essential or of major importance to the well being of the disabled person.
Council tax - change of circumstances
A claimant in receipt of council tax benefit is responsible for informing the local authority of any changes in their personal and financial circumstances which may affect their benefit.
Council tax - discount
Processing of requests and assessment of eligibility for a single person or other discount on their council tax.
Council tax - exemptions
The council tax exemption scheme may exempt unoccupied and occupied properties from council tax.
Council tax - renewal
The local authority will issue any householder who is currently receiving council tax benefit with a renewal claim form a set period of time before a claim is due for renewal.
Discretionary Housing payments (DHP)
Education maintenance award
For students aged 16 at the start of an education year and who are attending full-time courses up level 3 at schools, sixth form colleges and Further Education Colleges there is a national Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Entitlement is means tested.
Free school meals
Free school meals are provided for children whose families are in receipt of social security benefits such as income support or income based job seeker's allowance.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Overpayments
The local authority has a duty to recover overpayments of benefit for which there was no entitlement from tenants and landlords and where necessary take criminal proceedings in respect of fraudulent overpayments.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit appeals
Anyone who has claimed housing benefit and disagrees with the decision made in their assessment can challenge the decision by submitting an appeals form within one month of the date of the original decision. The authority is responsible for advising claimants of appeal procedures and investigating each appeal.
Housing benefit - backdated claims
A claimant may be eligible for their claim for housing benefit to be backdated (by up to 52 weeks) if there is a good cause why they were unable to apply for their housing benefit earlier. The authority is responsible for advising residents about eligibility for backdating claims and for processing applications.
Housing benefit - change of circumstances
Review of housing benefit for an existing client usually as a result of a change of circumstances (new job, change of address etc.)
Housing benefit - new claim
Processing of a new claim for housing benefit from both council and private tenants. Claims require evidence of tenancy and income in order to assess eligibility for benefit.
Housing benefit - renewal
Housing benefit is generally paid for a maximum of 60 weeks (5 years if the claimant is over 60). The local authority is responsible for issuing the claimant with a renewal form approximately 8 weeks before the current benefit period is due to end and for assessing the eligibility of the claimant to continue to receive housing benefit.
Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance Rates
Making a claim for people over 60
Making a claim for people under 60
A claimant may be eligible to claim council tax benefit if they are on low income or in receipt of income support or job seekers allowance.
School - clothing grants and vouchers
The award of clothing grants or vouchers to assist with the cost of school clothing for families who are on benefits or on low income.
School - maintenance grant
Pupils aged 16-19 attending a community (LEA) maintained school, who live in the area and whose parents are on low income may be eligible for a school maintenance grant payment.
School - transport assistance
Free or concessionary home to school transport for pupils aged 5 to 16, to further education establishment for 17 - 19 year olds and to post-16 school leavers under certain circumstances. Free transport is usually provided where a pupil is attending the nearest school to their home and this is outside the statutory walking distance from home or for reasons of safety.
Second Adult Rebate
Sixth form access funds
Provision of financial assistance for students aged 16 -19 who wish to stay on at school in the sixth form. Students will need to be assessed for their eligibility for grants from this fund.
Special educational needs - disabled students allowance
The disabled student allowances provides financial assistance towards provision of special equipment and other general expenses for students with disabilities.
Student awards
The student awards scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of tuition fees to students attending a full time higher education course.
Student loan
The student loan scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of living for students attending a full time higher education course. Students repay loans back once they finish their course and begin employment.
Welfare rights - advice
Information and advice about entitlement to welfare benefits, other allowances, grants and general financial difficulties.
Welfare rights - financial advice
The local authority benefit advisors offer benefit assessment and provide advice about entitlement to welfare benefits to individuals in receipt of benefit or claiming benefit.