Thurrock Council has powers to make benefit payments to assist with the management of expenses for residents on low income. Frequently Asked Questions about benefits are available on this site. Additionally, further information on specific benefits is provided below:

Council Tax
Housing
Housing Renewal Grants

Council Tax Benefit

Whether you own your own home or pay rent, you will probably have to pay council tax. Council Tax Benefit can cover or pay towards this tax. It is paid by Thurrock Council to all eligible residents. Information is available from council offices or the DirectGov web site:

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Claim Form

DirectGov - Council Tax Benefit

For further information, please email: benefits@thurrock.gov.uk

Other useful pages on this site:
Council Tax web site (including council tax bands)
Council Tax frequently asked questions

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Housing Benefit

Housing costs are a large part of most people's expenses. If you do not own your own home you will probably pay rent. If you are on low income this can be difficult to manage. Housing Benefit can cover or pay towards your rent. It can also give you some extra money towards things you have to pay for, like children's play areas and the cleaning of communal areas.

Housing Benefit cannot help with day-to-day costs. If your rent includes things like food, water charges, personal laundry or heating (other than for communal areas), these parts will not be included.

It does not matter whether you pay rent to a private landlord or to your local council, or for something like a hostel or guest house.

Information is available from council offices or the DirectGov web site:

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Claim Form

DirectGov - Housing Benefit

For further information, please email: benefits@thurrock.gov.uk

Other useful pages on this site:
Housing Services web site
Local Housing Offices

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Housing Renewal Grants

Thurrock Council, as a local housing authority, offers a number of grants and interest free loans available for private owner occupiers, tenants and private landlords. The grants and loans help with a range of works ranging from the need to carry out disabled adaptations to your home, to essential repairs e.g. re-wiring. The majority of financial assistance is subject to a test of the applicant's resources.

For further information, please visit our Private Housing web pages and/or email private.housing@thurrock.gov.uk

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