I need help
Pages in I need help
- 1. I need help
- 2. Online directory of services
- 3. Help with self-isolating
- 4. You are here: Council Tax, benefits and payments
- 5. Physical and mental wellbeing
4. Council Tax, benefits and payments
We understand that this is a difficult time for many residents and your circumstances may have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, for example you have been made redundant or you are on a zero hours contract and cannot work because you are sick or self isolating and need help with paying your rent, mortgage or Council Tax. Please see advice below and details of where you can get advice and help.
Test and Trace Support Payment
- From 28 September, people with symptoms are required by law to self-isolate. The Government's new Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 is for people on lower incomes unable to work from home who have lost income as a result of self isolating.
- Check if you're eligible and apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment here.
Council Tax
- If you have a reduced income due to COVID-19, the best way to get help with your Council Tax is to apply for Council Tax Support. This is means tested and you will need to complete an online claim form.
- If you have a current claim for Council Tax Reduction, please tell us your new circumstances by completing the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction: Change in Circumstances form.
- The Government has announced extra support for working age households claiming Council Tax Reduction, and those households will now have up to an extra £150 reduction on what they have to pay.
- If you are not entitled to or have been refused Council Tax Reduction, you may still be able to get some help towards your bill by applying for the Discretionary Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
Housing Benefit and Universal Credit
- If you have a current claim for Housing Benefit and your circumstances have changed let us know by completing the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction: Change in Circumstances form.
- If you do not have a Housing Benefit claim but need help with paying your rent or if you need money to live on you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit. You can do this by completing an online claim or phoning the DWP.
- If you already get Universal Credit, please speak to your Job Coach for more information.
- For information about Universal credit advances.