Housing benefit, Universal Credit and council tax support

Our dedicated team will award council tax support to help with your council tax and/or housing benefit (only if you fit the criteria detailed on our housing benefit page) to help with your rent.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Here are the answers to some our most frequently asked questions

• Cost of living support

  Help if you're struggling with the cost of living.

• Benefit calculators

  Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement to housing benefit (only if you fit the criteria) or council tax support.

• Housing benefit

  Housing benefit helps people on low incomes who are pensioners (both members of a couple must be pensioners) or live in supported (specified) accommodation pay their rent. It is not available for mortgage repayments.

• Council tax support

  Council tax support is financial assistance available to low income households to help you pay your council tax.

• Change of circumstances - benefits

  Use our online form to notify us of a change in circumstances.

• Universal Credit

  Universal Credit (UC) is one benefit designed to replace 6 benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income or need to claim help with your rent.

• DWP benefit cap

  The benefit cap forms part of the Government's welfare reforms. It means that the total amount of benefit that a person of working age (18 to 66) receives can be restricted. Those affected by the cap will be directly notified by the Department for Work and Pensions.

• Where to go for advice about debt

  You can get free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems in the UK by using our links.

• How to report fraud

  Please visit the page to find out how and where to report fraud relating to services the Council offers.

• My SDC account

  A quick and easy way to access council services at any time. Includes housing benefit, council tax support, council tax and business rates.