On Wednesday 9 December we changed to a new online system for housing benefits and council tax support. Our 'My Account' service for benefits is no longer used.
This change does not affect any applications you made before 9 December. We will contact you when we finish processing them. You don't need to contact us.
Your on-going housing benefit payments and council tax support are not affected by this change. You don't need to contact us.
Our online benefits service will not be available from 0:05am, Saturday 16 January to 4pm, Sunday 17 January.
This is due to essential maintenance. Please do not try to use the service during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience.
When you claim a benefit online you’ll be shown a list of evidence you must have to support your claim. For some claims, evidence can be uploaded online. You can also send paper documents to us by post or by bringing them to us yourself.
Don't worry if you can't get the proof we need straight away. You should still make your claim and then provide the proof as soon as possible afterwards. If you don't make the claim straight away, you might lose money.
Let us know if you can't get the proof within 2 or 3 weeks, as we may be able to help you.
If we're able to accept your proof as part of the online application, an option to 'Upload evidence' section will be shown at the end of the form. You can use this 'Upload evidence' link to send us electronic documents, scanned images of documents, or clear photos of documents.
If you don't have all the proof you need, you should still complete your online application. You can come back and upload your evidence when you have it ready.
To upload evidence after you've submitted your claim, go to the main claims menu below and use the 'Upload My Evidence' link at the bottom of the page.
Claim housing benefit or council tax support
If you're asked to send us paper versions of your evidence, the list will tell you whether it has to be an original document, or if it can be a photocopy.
You can send paper documents to us either by:
You don't need an appointment to bring your documents to us.
Don't send valuable items in the post, such as bank books or passports
For coronavirus (COVID-19) safety, the Civic Offices are currently closed for face-to-face services and public meetings.
Wherever possible, please use online services and information. It is vital we keep phone lines free to provide support for vulnerable residents who normally rely on face-to-face support.
If you provide all the documents when you make your claim, we will process your benefit claim by the next posting date. This is called 'fast tracking'.
