Watford Borough Council

Please note if you are liable for council tax you may also qualify for council tax benefit, you can use the same form to claim both.

For an estimate of how much help you may be entitled to, use the on-line calculator below.

Making a claim

You can download a benefits claim form from the link below or contact us direct via telephone (01923 226400) or in person and return the completed forms to us.

Your claim for benefit must be made in writing, either on a benefits application form or by letter (we would then send you a form to complete). Normally we will start your claim from the Monday after we receive your application form or letter. 

You will need to provide evidence of your income, the rent you have to pay, your savings and your identity. IT WILL HELP US TO PROCESS YOUR CLAIM FASTER IF YOU PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR APPLICATION.

Information

If you claim Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment Support allowance (income based), you will get forms to claim housing benefit and/or council tax bebefit with the DWP claim pack.

If you get Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment Support allowance, you may get up to the maximum amount of housing benefit allowable.

If you are on a low income,  get job seekers allowance or Employment Support allowance (contribution based) the amount of housing benefit  you can get depends on the amount of eligible rent you pay, how many people live with you, your personal circumstances, how much money you have coming in and how much you have in savings. 

It is important that you get your application form or letter to us as soon as possible. Information and proof can be supplied later (within one month) as it affects the date of your benefit claim and you may lose benefit.