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Revenues & Benefits Service

Please Note: This is a shared service provided for both Torfaen and Monmouthshire residents

Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and help with school costs

Universal Credit

If you are working age, on a low income and need help with your rental costs, you should submit a claim for Universal Credit with the Department for Work and Pensions.

For further information visit Universal Credit: How to claim - GOV.UK.

You can still claim Housing Benefit if both you and your partner (if you have one) have reached State Pension age or you are staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are on a low income or claiming benefits. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if one of the following applies:

  • You and your partner are State Pension age
  • You are staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing

To be able to claim Housing Benefit you must:

  • Be liable to pay rent; and
  • Be resident in the property you are claiming for

You cannot usually get Housing Benefit if:

  • You have over £16,000 in savings, investments and property between yourself and your partner (unless you get Guaranteed Pension Credit)
  • You are renting from a resident relative
  • You are renting from a former partner
  • You are responsible for your landlord’s child
  • You have no recourse to public funds due to your immigration status
  • You are a full-time student, without children or any disabilities
Apply for housing benefit

For further information visit Housing Benefit: Eligibility - GOV.UK

Council Tax Reduction

The Council Tax Reduction scheme may help you pay your Council Tax if you are on a low income. If you are entitled to a Council Tax Reduction your Council Tax bill is reduced.

To be able to claim Council Tax Reduction you must:

  • Be on a low income; and
  • Be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax

You cannot usually get Council Tax Reduction if:

  • You have over £16,000 in savings, investments and property between yourself and your partner (unless you get Guaranteed Pension Credit)

You can apply for Council Tax Reduction if you are making a new claim for Universal Credit or by completing our online application form.

Apply for a council tax reduction (income based)

Alternatively, please contact the New Claims Team.

Housing Benefit - New Claims Team

benefitapplication@torfaen.gov.uk