Council tax and housing benefits

Housing benefit and council tax benefit 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 benefit is paid to people with a low income who pay council tax. Both housing benefit and council tax benefit 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 Benefit schemes, using Government rules.

Can I claim housing benefit and council tax benefit?

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.

District Council benefit information

Cambridge City Council

East Cambridgeshire District Council

Fenland District Council

Huntingdon District Council

South Cambridgeshire District Council