Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

What are benefits?

Housing benefit and council tax benefit are national benefit schemes run by councils. They help people who are unemployed or on a low income.

  • housing benefit helps to pay your rent.
  • council tax benefit helps with your council tax bills.

You can apply for both benefits.

Who can apply for housing benefit?

Any tenant who rents their home from:

  • a private landlord;
  • the council; or
  • a housing association.

Who can apply for council tax benefit?

Anyone who is responsible for paying council tax for their home. This means the person (or their partner) whose name is on the council tax bill.

Even if you are not entitled to get benefit yourself, you may still be able to pay less council tax. If you live with one or more people who are on a low income or Income Support, you may be able to claim a second adult rebate.

Please click here to find out about how you can apply for benefits.

The law states that we must visit all benefit applicants.  All East Devon District Council visiting officers carry identification.  You should always ask to see their identification and satisfy yourself that the visitor is an East Devon District Council employee before allowing them into your home.