Housing Benefits and Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Support

The Government has abolished Council Tax Benefit from 31 March 2013.  Cheshire East Council has created its own scheme to replace it from 1 April 2013. More information is available on the new Council Tax Scheme page.

Under Occupancy

Size limit rules in the Social Rented Sector took effect from April 2013 for those aged below 61.  If you are assessed as having more bedrooms then you need, according to the new rules, you will be considered as under-occupying your home.   If this is the case you will see a reduction to your housing benefit by:

• 14% of the total eligible rent for under-occupation by one bedroom; and
• 25% of the total eligible rent for under-occupation by two bedrooms or more.

What's New

• Council Tax Support
• Under Occupancy Calculator (MS Excel, 333KB)
• Under Occupancy Information

Making a Claim

• Housing Benefit Scheme
• How to Claim
• Second Adult Rebate
• Golden Promise
• What information will I need

Additional Information

• Benefits Adviser
• Student Information
• Help with Leisure Costs
• Stay Warm

Information for Landlords

• Landlord Information
• Local Housing Allowance for Landlords
• Benefits Performance

Already getting Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?

Don’t forget to tell us about any changes in your circumstances or those of any other people who live with you. You can now do this online using our online change in circumstances form or download a copy of the change in circumstances form (PDF, 184KB) to fill out by hand.