Housing Benefit and Universal Credit

The OpenPortal system for Council Tax, Housing Benefits and Business Rates is currently unavailable until Thursday 2 April. This is to carry out essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Apply for Housing Benefit

Eligibility criteria, application process and form, and how you can be paid

Appeal a benefit decision

How to appeal a benefit decision, who to contact and timescales

Universal Credit

Who is eligible for Universal Credit and how to apply

Backdating benefit

Circumstances in which a claimant's Housing Benefit can be backdated

Report a change in benefit circumstances

Let us know if anything has changed that might affect your benefits

Crisis Resilience Fund – Housing Payments

You may be able to apply for extra help with your housing costs

Report benefit fraud

What to do if you suspect someone is claiming benefits that they are not entitled to