 |
Benefits Service |
| Torbay Council | |
Town Hall | |
 |
housing.benefits @torbay.gov.uk |
 | 01803 207201 |
 | 01803 207122 |
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Housing & Council Tax Benefit - Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for Housing Benefit?
- Do I need to be unemployed to receive Housing Benefit?
- Do I still have to pay rent if I am entitled to maximum Housing Benefit?
- Why do I have to pay any rent or council tax if I am unemployed? My working son/daughter lives with me but doesn't give me any money.
- I have recently submitted a claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit and have an enquiry?
- Can I get assistance filling in my forms for Housing and Council Tax Benefit?
- I think my neighbour is fraudulently claiming Benefit?
- My situation has changed; do I need to tell the Benefit section?
- I have only changed address do I need to do anything to carry on claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit?
How do I apply for Housing Benefit?
You can apply by collecting an application form from any of the three Connections enquiry offices in Torquay, Paignton & Brixham, or the Housing Benefits help-line.
Tel: 01803 207201 - surnames A-DL
Tel: 01803 207202 - surnames DO-KA
Tel: 01803 207203 - surnames KB-RL
Tel: 01803 207204 - surnames RO-Z
Do I need to be unemployed to receive Housing Benefit?
No. If you are on a low wage, Working Family Tax Credit or retired, you may be entitled to Housing/Council Tax benefit as well.
Do I still have to pay rent if I am entitled to maximum Housing Benefit?
This will depend on how much your landlord is charging per week for the rental of his property. Torbay Council will only pay up to the amount the Rental Services Officer says the property is worth.
This is called a Fair Rent and is an accurate assessment of what the rental amount should not exceed.
Who else lives in the property with you could also affect receiving maximum Housing Benefit. A deduction will be made for any income into the household from other residents in your accommodation.
Services and amenities are other areas which deductions will be made from entitlement to maximum benefit. If the rental amount changed by the landlord includes food, water, gas or electricity, then a weekly deduction will be made for these services accordingly.
Finally, If you decide to reside in a property, which has more bedrooms than you require, then a deduction will be made for being over accommodated with those extra rooms.
Why do I have to pay any rent or council tax if I am unemployed? My working son/daughter lives with me but doesn't give me any money.
This is because there is an income coming into your household benefit is calculated on this basis. The financial arrangements that you have with your son/daughter are your personal business and are not considered in the calculation of Housing/Council Tax Benefit. Benefit is assessed on all members residing in a household.
I have recently submitted a claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit and have an enquiry?
You can call into any of the three Connections offices in Torquay, Paignton or Brixham and the staff there will be able to help you with your enquiry. Further to this, you can call the Benefits help line.
Tel: 01803 207201 - surnames A-DL
Tel: 01803 207202 - surnames DO-KA
Tel: 01803 207203 - surnames KB-RL
Tel: 01803 207204 - surnames RO-Z
Can I get assistance filling in my forms for Housing and Council Tax Benefit?
Yes. If you require assistance in completing the form you can book a personal appointment by calling the Benefits Helpline. If you have completed most of the form but are unsure about one or two questions, then the staff at the Connections offices will check the forms upon your visit and help you to complete any missing questions. They can also give advice as to any further documentation that you may require to supply upon ascertaining your circumstances. Appointments can also be made if you require assistance to complete the form. For an appointment, call the Benefits helpline or contact Connections.
I think my neighbour is fraudulently claiming Benefit?
Torbay Council has a fraud hotline 0800 731 2 731. All calls are dealt with in the strictest confidence and details can be given to us without requesting the identity of the caller.
My situation has changed; do I need to tell the Benefit section?
Yes. Not everyone realises how the implications of a change in their circumstances can affect their entitlement to Housing/Council Tax Benefit. It is best to contact the benefit department upon ANY change and let the experienced staff advise you. If you do not inform us your benefit entitlement may be cancelled.
I have only changed address do I need to do anything to carry on claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit?
Yes, you must inform the Housing/Council tax Benefits Department immediately on the Benefits Helpline or call at any of the three Connections offices. These benefits are calculated based upon two main criteria. 1) Individuals personal circumstances, 2) Place of residence. If you address changes than this will cancel your current claim and a new application will need to be made for your current residence.