Big Housing Benefit Bonanza

Posted in Kevin's blog on 6 November 2009 | 0 Comments

Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit to help people to pay their rent. Council Tax Benefit is similarly means tested and is to help people to pay their council tax. Both benefits are dealt with by the council. On the 2nd November 2009 two changes were made to these benefits which will mean that many more people could be entitled to help. The first affects people aged 60 or over and the second for people in receipt of Child benefit.

In my last blog I mentioned that for people aged 60 or over any capital under £10,000 would not be taken into account when calculating Housing and Council Tax Benefits. Prior to 2nd November this amount was £6000.

Capital of £10000.01 to £16000 will reduce the amount of entitlement. Anyone with capital of more than £16000 will not be entitled to Housing or Council Tax benefits unless they get Guaranteed Pension Credit.

The second big change is that from 2nd November 2009, Child Benefit will not be counted as income when calculating Housing and Council Tax Benefits. Unless already getting full benefit, people who receive either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and have previously had their Child Benefit taken into account should find that their rent and council tax help will now increase. People who get Child Benefit and are on low income may find that they qualify for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit, where previously this may not have been the case. They will however, need to make a claim.

If you think you may be entitled to an award, or increase, of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit you should contact your local council benefits section immediately.

Nothing claimed, nothing gained!

0 comments | Tags: Housing Benefit