Housing and Council Tax Benefit
This is money that Gateshead Council pay towards your rent and/or Council Tax. The benefit is based on laws and guidelines laid down by Central Government.
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 16 or over on a low income who pays rent and/or Council Tax including people who are:
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working full or part-time or are self-employed;
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unemployed;
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retired.
If any of these apply and you want to make a claim |you should do this as soon as possible so that you do not lose any benefit. We can only backdate your claim if there is a good reason why you did not claim at the right time.
Who should not apply?
If any of the following apply you will not get help towards your rent and/or Council Tax:
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you have savings over £16,000 (unless you have Guarantee Pension Credit);
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you are paying rent or board to a close relative who lives with you (in this case you may get help with Council Tax depending on your circumstances).
Note: The rules are different for students and people living in residential or nursing homes.
Other useful contacts
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Pension Service Helpline - 0800 991 234
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Age Concern - 0191 477 3559
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Citizens Advice Bureau - 0191 477 1392
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Tax Credits Helpline - 0845 300 3900
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Benefit Leaflet Website
A range of leaflets containing general advice and guidance about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, available in 11 different languages