Harrogate Borough Council

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Council Tax Benefit

Service Provided By

Benefits Services Manager

Benefits Services

ben_rev@harrogate.gov.uk

01423 556455 (8.30-17.15)

01423 556430 (fax)

01423 556543 (textphone)

Scottsdale House

Springfield Avenue

Harrogate

HG1 2SD

Opening Hours:

8.30-16.30, Mon to Fri

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Frequently Asked Questions

The benefit system is complex particularly if you have not claimed before. In this section we attempt to provide answers to some of the questions that claimants ask us the most.

If you are still unsure about anything please do not hesitate to contact the Revenues and Benefits Service

What is housing/council tax benefit?

It is a benefit paid to householders to assist with the payment of rent and council tax. It is a means tested benefit run by the local authority for the Government. Dependent upon individual circumstances claimants may receive up to 100% assistance.

I'm not sure if I will be entitled to Benefit - what should I do?

If you are thinking of applying for benefit but are not sure if you will qualify you can contact the Revenues and Benefits Service for advice.

Alternatively you can make an application for benefit and we will assess your claim and notify you of the outcome whether you are entitled to benefit or not. Remember, it costs you nothing to apply for benefit and you have nothing to lose by filling in an application form.

Do I have to fill in 2 forms to claim council tax & housing benefit?

No - the same claim form is used to apply for both housing benefit and council tax benefit and this can be obtained from the Revenues and Benefits Service.

I have some savings - does this mean I cannot claim benefit?

You may still claim benefit. The level of your savings will affect the amount you may receive. We will look at any savings you (and your partner, if appropriate) may have.

If your savings are £6,000 or less we will ignore them.

If you have more than £6,000 but not more than £16,000 we will take into account, as income, £1 per week for every unit of part unit of £250 above the lower limit (£1 for every £500 if aged 60 or over).

If you have savings of more than £16,000 you will not be entitled to claim any benefit.

I have a small pension from my employer - how will this affect my claim?

Your pension net of any income tax that you pay will be included as part of your income for benefit purposes. You may still be entitled to benefit dependent upon your personal circumstances.

How do I apply for benefit?

You will need to complete an application form giving details of your income, any savings and the people living in your household. See How To Claim.

How do we pay your benefit?

Direct to your council tax account or your rent account if you are a council tenant. If you are the tenant of a private landlord housing benefit is paid by cheque either to yourself or direct to your landlord.

I have grown up children living at home with me - how will this affect my benefit?

They will be treated as non-dependants and you may receive reduced benefit.

I receive a war pension - how will this affect my benefit claim?

Harrogate Council currently operates a "Local Scheme" for people receiving war pensions. Under this scheme the basic amount of war widows and war disability pensions are ignored when calculating a persons income for benefit purposes.

You will be asked to provide a breakdown of your war pension from the war pensions section at Norcross so that the correct amount of your pension can be disregarded. If you receive attendance allowance as part of a war disability pension this is also disregarded from your income for benefit purposes.

I have made a successful application for Attendance/Disability Living Allowance - how will this affect my benefit entitlement?

The amount of any attendance allowance or disability living allowance you receive is ignored for benefit purposes. However, you should still let the council know that you are receiving these benefits as you may be entitled to additional premiums, which could increase the amount of benefit you receive.

Also, if you have other adults living in your household for which a non dependant deduction is being made you should let the council know if you become entitled to Attendance Allowance or the care component of Disability Living Allowance. No deductions are made from a claimants housing benefit or council tax benefit in respect of non dependants if the claimant or their partner receives either of these benefits.

I've recently started work but earn a low wage - can I apply for benefit without the necessary 5 wage slips?

If you have just started work and think that you might be entitled to benefit because of low earnings you should apply for benefit as soon as possible as any delay may mean that you lose benefit.

You should make a note on the application form that you have recently started work and forward your wage slips as soon as they are available.

I'm self-employed but have only traded for a short time and don't have any business accounts - can I still apply for benefit?

If you have only recently become self employed you will need to submit copies of your business record books showing your takings and expenses. Your benefit will be based on your income as calculated from your records.

We may ask you to submit your records at regular intervals until your business is established and you have a full year trading accounts.

What do I do if my circumstances change?

If you have any change in your circumstances during a benefit period you must notify us as soon as the change happens - do not wait until you need to renew your claim to tell us about anything that has changed.

You can notify changes in your circumstances by letter or in person at Scottsdale House. If you are not sure if you need to tell us about a change in your circumstances please contact the Revenues and Benefits Service.

How often do I have to re-apply for benefit?

You do not have to re-apply for benefit but you are required to inform the council about changes in your circumstances when they arise. In addition we will be undertaking checks on claims and may write or visit you from time to time to verify the information you have provided.

Can my benefit claim be backdated?

Benefit is normally payable from the Monday following the date of application, however, a claim can be backdated for a period not exceeding 6 months from the date on which the backdated application is made.

Benefit will only be backdated if there was good reason for the delay in making the application for benefit for the whole of the period for which backdating is being requested. If you make an application to have your claim back dated you may be asked to provide evidence in support of your request e.g. a letter from your doctor if your reason for late application was because of illness etc.

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