Housing Benefit and Council Tax support

Last updated 1 March 2021

Making a new housing benefit claim

To help with your rent you can claim Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.

You can also request help with your Council Tax payments by applying for Council Tax support. Our offices are closed to visitors so you will not be able to bring your documents in. You can send them by post or email. We’ll accept photocopied, scanned or photographed documents rather than originals at this time. If you cannot copy your documents, email benefits@stockport.gov.uk to let us know.

Changes in your circumstances

If you need to report a change in your circumstances, you can use our change of circumstances online form or you can email us with details of your change. We’ll accept photocopied, scanned or photographed documents rather than originals at this time. If you cannot copy your documents, email benefits@stockport.gov.uk to let us know.

Extra Council Tax Support for working age households

Working age Council Tax payers who get Council Tax Support are entitled to a further reduction in their Council Tax for 2020/21. If you're eligible, we've credited your account with an extra £150. If your balance was less than £150, then until your Council Tax bill is zero.

You do not need to contact us as we've processed this automatically. Register for My Account so that you can get your Council Tax bill online.

Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates have been increased from April to cover up to 30% of the market rent in your area. This is for 2020 to 2021 only. You can find the new rates on our Local Housing Allowance rates page.

We’ve adjusted all existing benefit claims. You do not need to contact us as we've processed this automatically. Register for My Account so that you can get your new award letter online.

Increase in the Additional Earnings Disregard

We’ve recalculated entitlement for households where you or your partner work 16 hours or more per week, and you would be or are entitled to Working Tax Credit. This is because the basic rate of Working Tax Credit has increased and you could lose out on this in your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. You do not need to contact us as we've processed this automatically.

Help that’s available

Support with your Council Tax

If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax you can apply for a payment plan.

Discretionary payments for rent

If you're getting Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be able to get extra help if you're struggling to pay the rest of the rent yourself. Visit our discretionary payments pages for more information.

Discretionary payments for Council Tax

If you're getting Council Tax Support but still have problems meeting your Council Tax payments, you may be able to get extra help. Visit our discretionary payments pages for more information.

Child Benefit

You can still claim child benefit if you have not been able to register your baby's birth because of restrictions due to coronavirus. You can claim Child Benefit on the GOV.UK website.