Apply for benefits

If you are unable to access this form please contact the benefits section on 01427 676565 or email benefits@west-lindsey.gov.uk to discuss the best way for you to make your claim.

Who can claim

You can claim Council Tax Support if:

• You are on Pension Credit, or
• You are on Universal Credit, Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance, or
•  You are on a low income (this includes people who are self-employed)

You can only claim Housing Benefit if:

• You live in specified accommodation.  This is where you have been placed into your accommodation in order to receive care, support or supervision by or on behalf of your landlord
• You live in temporary accommodation.  This is where you have been provided accommodation by the Authority because you were homeless.
• You and your partner have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit
• You are prevented from making a claim for Universal Credit (for example, you were receiving a legacy benefit which included a Severe Disability Premium within the previous month)

If you do not fall into any of these categories and need help paying your rent you should claim help from the Department for Work and Pensions by claiming  Universal Credit.

You cannot get Housing or Council Tax Support if:

• You, or your partner between you, have more than £16,000 in savings except if you are over 60 and getting Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

A partner is someone you are married to, or someone you live with as if you are married to them. If you have a partner we need to know about both of your circumstances in a joint claim.

Supporting evidence needed

We need the below documentation in order to calculate your benefit entitlement. The sooner we receive the documents, the sooner we can pay your benefit!

• Proof of Identity/National Insurance Number
  (Passport, Driving Licence, DWP Letter, Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Wage Slip, P45, P60, National Insurance Card, Medical Card, Marriage Certificate)
• Bank Accounts/Building Society Accounts
  (We need to see two full consecutive months’ statements for current accounts. If you have a passbook, please ensure your balance is up to date)
• Shares
  (Share Certificates)
• National Savings Certificates
• Jobseekers Allowance/Income Support/Employment Support Allowance
  (Award Letter)
• Earnings
  (5 weekly or two monthly wage slips)
• Self Employment Earnings
  (Profit and loss accounts or ask us for a “Self Employment Certificate”)
• Disability Living Allowance/Carers Allowance
  (Award letter)
• Child Benefit
  (Award letter or entry on bank statement)
• Tax Credit
  (Award Letter)
• State Retirement Pension
• Private Pension
• Widows Pension
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial Injuries Benefit
• Proof of Rent
  (Tenancy agreement, Rent book, letter from landlord)
• Maintenance
  (Court order or CSA letter)