Applying For Housing Benefit

To make a new claim for housing benefit you have to be in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, any other state benefit, or if you are working full or part time, self employed, or retired.

However, the amount of Housing Benefit you are awarded will depend on many factors, for example:

How much rent you have to pay (if you are a private tenant Housing Benefit will be calculated subject to a rent officer's valuation)
Your Council Tax liability
How much income or capital and savings you or your partner have
How many children you have
Whether you have a partner
If anyone in your household is disabled
If you are under 25 and rent from a private landlord
Non-dependants (this is anyone over 18 in your home who you don't receive Child Benefit for. This is called a non-dependant deduction and the amount deducted depends on how much income the non-dependant has and whether they are working or not).

Click the Benefit Calculator link on the right to find out how much Housing Benefit you may be entitled to.

How is benefit paid?

If you are a Bracknell Forest Borough Council tenant, your Housing Benefit is paid directly into your rent account every week. If you are a private tenant, we will send you a cheque or make payments directly into your bank/building society account. Alternatively, we can make payments directly to your landlord if you ask us to.

How can I apply?

To claim benefit, you will need to complete our Application for Housing and Council Tax Benefit form available from the Social Services and Housing reception at Time Square or the Easthampstead House reception or you can download a form by clicking on the Housing Benefits Claim link on the right.

Alternatively you can contact them direct to request an application form:

Tel: 01344 351866
Fax: 01344 351347
Minicom: 01344 352045
Email: benefits@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

You should claim benefit as soon as possible. If you are entitled to benefit, it is normally paid from the Monday following the date that the Council receives your application form and will not normally be backdated. So, you should return your benefit form immediately.

Again, Connexions will be able to offer advice and help on this issue.