Housing benefit

Important Changes from 23rd March 2020

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction can now be claimed by providing completed application forms, for new claims and change of address, via email.

• You must complete (in black pen) a physical application form and sign the form.
• You can then either scan, or photograph the form using a smartphone, tablet or similar device.
• You can also scan or photograph any supporting documentation that is required.
• These forms and documents should then be emailed directly to: benefits@hastings.gov.uk ensuring that you include your claim number (if known) and your name in the subject line of the email

During the Covid-19 outbreak, providing forms and documents in this way will reduce the need for you to leave your home to make a claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

If you are unable to print the required form directly from the website following the below links please contact the benefits helpline on 01424 451080.
You must provide details of your full name, address, post code and the correct form required or we will not be able to forward the form to you.

Housing Benefit changes for people of Working Age

1. From 14th December 2016 if you are of working age and live in Hastings or St Leonards, you will not be able to make a new claim for Housing Benefit. Instead, if you require  help to pay rent/housing costs, you will need to make an online claim for Universal Credit. To find out more about how to do this, see the Universal Credit area below.
2. If you are Working Age and already receiving Housing Benefit it may be replaced by Universal Credit if your circumstances change. If this happens you will be notified.

Housing Benefit information for people of Pension Age

1. If you are of pensionable age you will not be affected by the DWP's Universal Credit roll out. 
2. You may still be entitled to make a new claim for Housing Benefit.
3. To make a claim for Housing Benefit you will need to use the approved claim form. You will need to submit this form to us and not the DWP.