Applying for housing benefit and council tax reduction

Most working age people should claim help with rent from Universal Credit - .GOV page (opens new window), this is called housing costs in the Universal Credit claim. 

However, you must claim Housing Benefit from us instead of Universal Credit if:

• you live in supported or temporary accommodation; or
• you are Pension Credit age

If you are working age and already getting help with rent from Universal Credit, please make sure that you make a claim for Council Tax Reduction with us.

You can make an application for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction (or both).

Make a new claim (opens new window)

Before you start the application you will need to have your national insurance number, household and household income details, savings information including account balances and details about your rent (if applicable).

Claiming online is the fastest and most efficient way of claiming.

You can upload:

• supporting documents,
• including scanned copies or photographs,
• with your form to enable your claim to be assessed, and
• payment made as soon as possible.

Existing claims

If you already claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction (or both) and something has changed, you do not need to make a new claim. Tell us about a change online and we will amend your benefit for you.

Contact us

For further information and advice email benefits@chichester.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can phone us on 01243 534509.