Benefits and financial support

Households who are struggling with the cost of household essentials can get help with food and household costs from the Government’s Household Support Fund

You may be able to get help with your Council Tax if you are, or someone who lives with you is, on a low income or disabled

If you claim benefits and your circumstances change you need to tell us as soon as possible, at least within one calendar month of when the change happened.

If we have asked you to send further evidence or you have further evidence to send us you can upload it here

Eligibility criteria for who can claim Housing Benefit, how to claim Housing Benefit, how to appeal a housing benefit decision, and how we pay Housing Benefit

Universal Credit is available if you are working age, on a low income or not working due to illness, disability or caring commitments

If your Housing Benefit or Housing Element of Universal Credit does not cover your rent you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help pay your rent

Our Essential Living Fund can provide emergency help if a resident is facing a financial crisis.

If you get more housing benefit or council tax support than you are entitled to, this is called an overpayment and you will usually have to pay the money back

Information on reporting fraud - including Housing Benefit fraud and Council Tax Support fraud

In addition to services provided by the council, you can also get free, confidential, independent advice from other local and national organisations