Will Benefit Cover My Full Rent/Council Tax?
Not necessarily. It is very important to remember that if the amount of Housing Benefit we are paying does not cover all your rent, you are responsible for ensuring that your rent and is paid in full.
For example if you are a private tenant, the maximum level of Housing Benefit we can pay you is set in line with the rate set by the Rent Service or, if you have made a new Housing Benefit claim since 7th April 2008, the Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This is especially important to remember if you are under 25 years old, single and do not have any dependents, as we can only pay Housing Benefit in line with the LHA shared room rate.
If the Council Tax Benefit we’re paying doesn't cover all your Council Tax, you are also responsible for ensuring that your Council Tax is paid in full.
For more information about claiming extra help with your Housing costs (including Council Tax), go to Discretionary Housing Payments.
For more information about help you could receive to pay your Council Tax, have a look at which Council Tax Discounts you may be entitled to.