Calculating Benefit Entitlement
If you are getting Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or
Pension Credit you will normally get all of your eligible weekly
rent paid by housing benefit, and all of your council tax paid by
council tax benefit.
This is the maximum amount we can pay you, but it may not be the
full amount you are charged (if, for example, your rent contains
ineligible service charges). Please also remember that other people
living in your home can have effect on your claim. For example a
deduction may be made from the maximum benefit if you have
non-dependants living with you who are working.
If you do not get any of the benefits listed above, then the
council has to compare your weekly income and any savings you have
with standard amounts that the Government sets as ‘needs levels’
for individuals, couples and families which are known as
‘applicable amounts’.
Applicable amounts vary for different situations, which is one
reason why it is very difficult to compare your benefit with a
friend or neighbour. It depends on your age; whether or not you
have a partner or children; or if someone in your household is
disabled.
It is made up of Personal Allowances, for general needs, and
Premiums, for special needs. Your Applicable Amount, and how it has
been calculated, is always shown on your decision letter. You need
to check this as carefully as you check the income and capital that
we have used when working out your benefit entitlement, and ask us
to explain anything you do not understand or that you think may be
wrong.
If your weekly income is less than, or the same as, your
Applicable Amount, we will pay the maximum benefit (not necessarily
your full rent, remember), less amounts for any non-dependant
charges that have to be applied.
If your weekly income is more than your Applicable Amount we
will take 65p off your maximum Housing Benefit, and 20p off your
maximum Council Tax Benefit for each £1 your income is more than
your Applicable Amount.
Can I get an estimate of how much Benefit I may be
entitled to?
Yes, you can use the online
benefits calculator to do your own ‘trial calculation’.
You can call 01233 331111 and ask for an
advisor to do this for you or visit us at the Civic
Centre, or at one of our Gateway centres in Ashford
or Tenterden.
This webpage was updated on
12/11/2008