Council Tax Support and Housing Benefits

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support are national welfare benefits which help people on low incomes.

Housing Benefit is paid to people with a low income who pay rent. Council Tax Support helps people with a low income who pay Council Tax. Both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support are means-tested benefits. This means that when we work out your benefit, we have to take account of things like your income, investments and savings. Local Councils run the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support schemes.

Can I claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support?

You can claim if:

• You pay rent, either to the Council, a private landlord or a housing association
• You pay Council Tax on your home
• Your savings are less than £16,000 - the only exception to this is if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
• You are on a low wage, even if you are self employed, or you are claiming certain state benefits

Useful contact

Swindon Borough Council
Phone: 01793 445500
Web: www.swindon.gov.uk