New Claim - Housing Benefit
There are two ways to claim Housing Benefit, but all claims
are worked out by the Council.
If you make a claim for Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance,
Employment & Support Allownace or Pension Credit you can claim
Housing Benefit at the same time. If you make your claim over the
telephone you will be asked whether you want to claim Housing
Benefit. The JobCentre Plus will forward your details directly to
the council.
If you do not make a claim for Income Support and the other
benefits, you should get a form for claiming Housing Benefit from
any of the
Council's offices.
Please return the form directly to the:
Housing Benefit Section
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street
Kendal, LA9 4DQ.
Tel 01539 797757 (for all areas in South Lakeland)
How much will I get?
The amount of Housing Benefit you get depends on the amount of
money coming into your home, plus any savings you have. We also
look at the number and ages of people living in your home. If you
are a Council tenant your rent account will be adjusted. You will
not actually receive any money but your rent will be reduced.
Private tenants or Housing Association tenants will be paid by
bank transfer four-weekly in arrears for your Housing Benefit
entitlement. If you are a Housing Association tenant you can elect
for the payments to be sent directly to your landlord but he/she
will have to agree to this. Landlords can insist on this if you are
in arrears with your rent by eight weeks or more.
If your Housing Benefit does not meet your rent in full you
must ensure you pay your landlord any shortfall and the Council
will check from time to time that you are doing so. If you fail to
pay the shortfall your Housing Benefit may be reduced.
What if I'm getting Income Support?
If you get Income Support you may get all your rent
covered by Housing Benefit. However, if you have adults living with
you, you may still have to pay some rent.
You may be able to continue to get all the rent paid for up to
4 weeks after your Income Support stops because you or your partner
start work or increase your hours or wages. The extra help is
called extended payment. Please contact the Housing Benefit Section
for further details.
What if my circumstances change?
If the information you have given us on your application form
changes, you must tell the Housing Benefit Section immediately.
Changes such as a rise or cut in your wages, or someone moving in
or out of your home, may affect the amount of benefit you
get.