Council Tax and Benefits

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Last revised: 13 October 2008

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Welcome to the Kennet District Council Benefits website

We bill and collect council tax from almost 34,000 properties within the district as well as being responsible for the assessment of over 4200 housing benefit and council tax benefit claims

Housing and Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit
This is a benefit paid by your local Council, based on Government rules, that helps you meet the cost of your Council Tax.

It is paid to people who are liable for Council Tax, (the person whose name is on the bill), and who have a low income, whether they are working or not.

It is a means tested benefit, this means we will need to know about all your income and capital in order to see if you are entitled.


Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is similar to Council Tax Benefit except it is used to meet the cost of your rental accommodation.  Rental accommodation can include lodging, shared ownership schemes, liability for caravan site charges, liability for mooring charges and charges for adult placement or supported accommodation schemes amongst others.  Housing Benefit is not normally payable if you are living in a registered care home

Housing Benefit can pay up to a 100% of your rent although it may not meet all the service costs your landlord might charge. If you are a private tenant, claiming for the first time or following a change of address, we will pay up to the Local Housing Allowance for your household needs


If you are not sure if you can apply for Housing Benefit for the accommodation you live in then please contact us for further advice.


Who can claim benefits?

For further information click here for our advice leaflet (pdf, 257 KB)

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