Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support rates from April 2026
If you are currently receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, it has now been reviewed from 1 April 2026 to take account of the new year amounts from April.
Your entitlement is based on the information we have for you as of 18 February 2026. However, if you recently told us of a change in your circumstances, you may have received a revised letter. This revised letter replaces the information in the letter dated 2 March 2026.
If you want a detailed calculation of your entitlement, please contact us using our online form.
Council Tax Support Scheme
There are no changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year.
The scheme will continue to operate under the arrangements introduced from 1 April 2025. These apply to working-age claimants only. The government sets Council Tax Support for the low-income pensioners (66 or over).
View the full details of the current Council Tax Support Scheme.
Benefits calculator: What are you entitled to?
If you are struggling financially, make sure you are not missing out on benefits.
You may be entitled to financial support if you:
- have a disability
- are ill
- care for someone
- unemployed and looking for work
- your earnings are low
- are bringing up children
- are retired
You can gain an estimate of the benefits you may be entitled to by using the free online calculator.
Further advice and guidance
Our information leaflet about Council Tax Support and Housing Benefits provides further helpful advice and guidance.
Manage your benefits claim online
The My Bills and Benefits service gives you instant access to manage and view your benefits. You can also use it to manage your business rates and Council Tax account.
FAQs
What date will my Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support change?
The changes will occur with effect from 1 April 2026.
How do I know how much my Council Tax is?
Details of your Council Tax liability and payments will be sent to you around 2 March 2026.
I rent from a Housing Association. Do I need to report my rent increase?
If your Housing Benefit payments are paid directly to your landlord, you do not need to inform us of your rent increase. We will receive this information directly. We will write to you again once your Housing Benefit has been updated to include the rent increase.
How do I tell you about a change in my circumstances?
If you are receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, you must tell us straight away about any change of circumstances that could affect your benefit.
You need to report a change of circumstances for you and anyone else in your house. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to use our online form.
Still need help?
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