How do I claim?

You must complete a claim form and return it to the benefit office as soon as possible as we can normally only pay benefit from the Monday following receipt of your form.

You should send your form in to us as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the proof of income, rent and identity that we need. You can send those in later.

We have one claim form which covers housing benefit, council tax benefit and second adult rebate.

If you provide the following 9 items with your claim we will be able to process your benefit in the shortest possible time.

1. Your fully completed claim form - you must answer every question, do not put a line through the page.

2. Proof of identity for you and, if you have a partner, for them too

3. Proof of your National Insurance number for and, if you have a partner, for them too

4. Proof of income for you and, if you have a partner for them too

5. Proof of all income for anyone else who lives with you - this includes all people aged 18 or over who do not pay you rent on a commercial basis i.e. a sub-tenant or boarder.

6. Proof any savings, investments, stocks, shares or any other capital held by you, your partner or your children. this includes any bank or building society current accounts.

7. Proof of any rental income you receive either from a sub-tenant, boarder or from a second home.

8. Proof of your rent, (housing benefit claims only) if you pay rent to a private landlord or a housing association. We do not need to see proof of rent for tenants who pay their rent to Southampton City Council.

9. Signatures. Please remember to sign your claim form and also get anyone who helps you to complete to sign the form too.

If you have restricted mobility or are housebound, we can send a member of staff out to see you in your home. If you ring us we can arrange this for you. Please telephone (023) 8083 2031.