From 2nd November 2009, Child Benefit is no longer counted as an income when working out how much Housing and Council Tax Benefit a person gets. This means there will be a significant increase in the number of people who qualify for these benefits.

What happens if you already get benefit.

If you already get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or both, you do not need to do anything. We will automatically take this change into account and you may see the amount of benefit you get going up. If you are already getting full benefit then there will be no change to how much you get.

If you don't get benefit now – you may do so from November.

Many families who have never claimed Housing and Council Tax Benefit, or were previously not entitled to claim, may now be able to receive extra financial help towards their rent and Council Tax charges. This will give greater financial support to families in Ashfield by increasing their income.

To make a claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit, please contact our Customer Services team, either in person at one of our customer service points, by phone on 01623 457400 or by email: revenues@ashfield-dc.gov.uk