Paying your benefit

When will my claim start?
Your benefit will normally start from the Monday following the date that you first contact us, Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service. In some circumstances different rules apply. Sometimes we may be able to pay your claim from an earlier date. This is known as backdating.

How do you pay Council Tax Benefit?
We pay Council Tax Benefit to your Council Tax account. We will send you a new Council Tax bill with your benefit decision letter to show you:

  • how much Council Tax you still have to pay, or
  • if your account is clear, or
  • if your account is in credit and a refund is due to you.

How do you pay Housing Benefit for council tenants?
We pay your benefit to your housing account. Our Rent Section will then contact you if you still have something left to pay.

How do you pay Housing Benefit for private tenants?
If your Housing Benefit is based on Local Housing Allowance (LHA), we will pay it into your bank account. If your Housing Benefit is not based on LHA, we can pay it to your landlord or to your bank account. We may have to pay your Housing Benefit to your landlord if you owe them eight weeks or more rent. We may also decide that it is in your best interests to pay your landlord.

How often are payments made?
Payments are made every four weeks in arrears. We will make your first payment as soon as possible to bring you into the appropriate date on PDF file the payment cycle. (247KB - 12 July 2011 - PDF Help)

Page last updated on 13 September 2011