An important change is about to be made affecting all those with young families who claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

From the beginning of November, Child Benefit will no longer be counted as income when an assessment is made for Housing and Council Tax Benefit. This means there will be a significant increase in the number of people who qualify for these benefits. Families may have the potential for more disposable income.

Many families who have claimed Housing and Council Tax Benefit and were not entitled in the past may now be able to receive extra financial help towards their rent and Council Tax charges. This will give greater financial support to families throughout the island, by increasing their income.

So are you one of these families? Have you recently claimed Housing or Council Tax Benefit but narrowly missed out because your income was to high? Perhaps you or your partner have recently lost your job and haven’t thought about help towards your rent or council tax. Or perhaps you are a family with young children and you have not made a claim for Housing or Council Tax Benefit because you didn’t think you would qualify.

To make a claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit you can download an application form here, or contact the council to request a claim form.

Download Application form pdf format

Download Application Form Guidance Notes pdf format


You should complete an Earnings Certificate if you receive handwritten pay slips or if you have just started work and you have not received any payslips.

Download Certificate of Earnings form pdf format

This change in Government legislation links into the council’s Eco Island Based Strategy. Eco Island is a broad based strategy for improving the social economic and environmental sustainability of the island. The strategy will build stronger, healthier communities with more opportunities for people to be involved in local life.

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