Housing Benefit is a government scheme, administered by the council, which provides help towards paying your rent. It is also called rent rebate or rent allowance.
It can be used to pay your rent and other associated costs such as maintenance of communal areas. It does not help with day to day living costs such as food or heating.
Who can claim it?
If you are on low income and pay rent, either to the council, a private landlord or a housing association, you can claim housing benefit. Anyone can apply for housing benefit who has a rent liability. Personal circumstances and income are taken into account to assess eligability.
You cannot claim Housing Benefit if:
- You own your property
- You pay rent to a close relative who also lives in the same property
- You have savings of £16,000 or more
- You are a full time student (unless you are under 19 or disabled or live with a partner or have children)
- You are excluded from receiving public funds (e.g. some asylum seekers and other non-UK nationals)
Your claim will be affected if:
- You have savings over £6,000 - this may reduce the amount of benefit you can claim
- You are single and under 25 years old - your housing benefit might be lower
- You are a private tenant and the Rent Officer determines that the rent used to work out benefit is less than the full rent
- You have a non-dependant living in your household benefit may be reduced. The amount of reduction will depend on the income of the non-dependant.
How do I claim?
If you want to claim Housing Benefit then download our application form below. It is a joint Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit application form that can be used for either or both benefits.
Do not delay returning the form to us as you may lose benefit to which you are entitled. You can claim up to 13 weeks in advance, so if you know you are moving to Eastbourne soon or your circumstances are about to change you can claim now.
If you have any questions about your application please talk to our Welfare Benefits Officer.
Welfare Benefits Officer
Eastbourne Homes Ltd
1 Grove Road
Eastbourne
BN21 4TW
Tel: 01323 415305
This is also the address to which you should return your completed form.
