Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction and help with school costs

Universal Credit

If you are working age, on a low income and need help with your rental costs, you should submit a claim for Universal Credit with the Department for Work and Pensions. 

For further information visit Universal Credit: How to claim - GOV.UK.

You can still claim Housing Benefit if both you and your partner (if you have one) have reached State Pension age or you are staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are on a low income or claiming benefits. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if one of the following applies:

• You and your partner are State Pension age
• You are staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing

To be able to claim Housing Benefit you must:

• Be liable to pay rent; and
• Be resident in the property you are claiming for

You cannot usually get Housing Benefit if:

• You have over £16,000 in savings, investments and property between yourself and your partner (unless you get Guaranteed Pension Credit)
• You are renting from a resident relative
• You are renting from a former partner
• You are responsible for your landlord’s child
• You have no recourse to public funds due to your immigration status
• You are a full-time student, without children or any disabilities

If you wish to apply for Housing Benefit, please contact the New Claims Team.

For further information visit Housing Benefit: Eligibility - GOV.UK

Council Tax Reduction

The Council Tax Reduction scheme may help you pay your Council Tax if you are on a low income. If you are entitled to a Council Tax Reduction your Council Tax bill is reduced.

To be able to claim Council Tax Reduction you must:

• Be on a low income; and
• Be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax

You cannot usually get Council Tax Reduction if:

• You have over £16,000 in savings, investments and property between yourself and your partner (unless you get Guaranteed Pension Credit)

You can apply for Council Tax Reduction if you are making a new claim for Universal Credit or by completing our online application form.

Apply for a council tax reduction (income based)

Alternatively, please contact the New Claims Team.

Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments are payments that may be made by the Council to people who already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs but need extra help with paying their rent.

For further information visit Discretionary Housing Payments.

Free School Meals and School Essentials Grant

If you are the parent or guardian of a child in school, they may be eligible for Free School Meals and/or the School Essentials Grant. 

Last Modified: 02/07/2026 Back to top