How to claim benefit
Claims for Universal Credit
Test Valley is now a Universal Credit fullservice area. If you are applying for (or already receiving) Universal Credit you will not receive housing benefit as well unless you fall into one of the categories below. You should receive a housing element payment for your rent which will be included in your Universal Credit payment. To make a claim for Universal Credit please go to www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
You will need to apply to us for Council Tax Support if your name is on the council tax bill - you can make your claim electronically (please refer to the next section ‘Make a new claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support’)
You can claim Housing Benefit if one or more of the following applies:
- You have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit (to check your state pension age please visit www.gov.uk/state-pension-age )
- You are living in temporary accommodation arranged for you by the Council
- You are living in a property provided to you to receive care and support.
If you have been advised that you cannot claim Universal Credit for your rent please telephone us on 01264 368000 for advice.
New claims for Pension Credit
Please tell the Pension Service you wish to apply for Housing Benefit, your claim details will then be forwarded to the council. We may need to contact you on receipt of the information you provide to the Pension Service for further details such as proof of your liability to pay rent. You will only need to apply to us for Council Tax Support - you can make your claim electronically (please refer to the next section 'Make a new claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support’).