Our Service
Housing benefit can help you pay your rent. The benefit section deal with all claims for housing benefit for customers who live in the East Riding of Yorkshire. If you are on a low income you may qualify for this benefit.
ONLINE GENERAL ENQUIRY FORM FOR HOUSING BENEFITS
Information about the Service we provide
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent.
You may be able to claim Housing Benefit if all three of the below apply to you.
Considerations include:
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Money you and your partner have coming in (earnings, some benefits and tax credits, and occupational pensions)
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Your savings and your partner's savings
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Your circumstances (such as your age, the ages and size of your family, any disabilities and whether there is anyone who lives with you who could help)
The council will also consider whether:
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The rental amount is reasonable for your home
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Your home is a reasonable size for you and your family
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The amount of rent is reasonable for the area your home is in.
Generally, if you have savings over £16,000, you will not be able to claim Housing Benefit.
However, the criteria are lengthy and confusing and so it is always worth making an application.
Non-Dependant Deductions
Your benefit may be reduced for each non-dependant living with you. A non-dependant is generally someone over the age of 18 who is not reliant on you. For example, an adult son or daughter, an elderly relative or a friend.
See the Non-Dependant Deduction Leaflet or contact the benefits section, for further information.
You can calculate the amount you may be able to claim by using the Benefits Calculator.
Claims are dealt with as quickly as possible. If you hand in your form at a customer service centre and have supplied all the relevant evidence the Benefit section promises to assess entitlement within 5 working days. See our Benefit Promise for further information.
If you have not heard from the Benefit Section within 28 days, please contact them.
Housing Benefit is generally awarded from the Monday following the date of claim. However, in exceptional circumstances it may be possible to backdate your claim.
If you are in private rented accommodation your benefit payments will normally be paid to yourself. If you are a Local Authority tenant your entitlement will be paid direct to your rent account.
The benefit continues as long as you meet the criteria.
Change of Circumstances
You should inform the Benefits Section, in writing within a month, about any change that may affect your claim. See Change in Circumstances, or contact the benefit section, for further information.
Extended Payment Periods
You may be able to claim benefit for a further four weeks after starting work. See Extended Payment Periods for further information.
Evidence
In order for a new claim to be effective you, and your partner, must provide proof of:
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Both your identities
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Your national insurance numbers
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All earned income (i.e. wages)
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All unearned income, capital and savings
If you rent from a private landlord or housing association you must provide proof of rent paid and a tenancy agreement.
Our availability
You can email or fax us at any time.
Telephone queries can be dealt with between:
8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Thursday
8.30am - 4.30pm Friday
We will respond to your query as soon as possible.
Housing Benefit enquiries are also dealt with at Customer Service Centres between:
9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
9.00am - 4.30pm Friday
Visiting Officers, will undertake home visits for the elderly or infirm.
How to contact us
Benefit section
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
County Hall
Beverley
HU17 9BA
Tel: 01482 394799
Fax: 01482 394661
Email: benefit.assessments@eastriding.gov.uk
Cost of our service
No charges
Forms
Please Note: Both Housing and Council Tax Benefit are claimed using the same form.
Click here to apply for Housing Benefits online
If you have problems using the online form, there is a PDF version you can print out and post using the link below.
LANHB1 Form - If you are claiming Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance and live in any type of accommodation. Click here to access application form to claim Housing/Council Tax Benefit for people claiming Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
HB1 Form - If you rent your home from the council or are buying/own your home and are not in receipt of Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance. Click here to access application form for people who rent their home from the council or who are buying/own their home
HB2 Form - If you rent from a private landlord/housing association and are not in receipt of Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance. Click here to access application form for people who rent from a private landlord/housing association
If you do not have a tenancy agreement you can complete a Landlord Form. Click here to access Landlord Form
Change of Circumstance
If you begin or change your job you will need to complete a certificate of earned income. Click here to access Certificate of earned income
If you are, or become, self employed you will need to complete a self employed income form. Click here to access Self Employed Income Form
If you move you will need to complete a change of address form. Click here to access the change of address form
See also the I am Moving website. Click here to access the I am Moving website
To work out how much you may be able to claim you can use the Benefits Calculator. Click here to access the Benefits Calculator
General information is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website and the citizens advice bureau website. Click here to access the Department for Work and Pensions website
Click here to access CAB website
