Housing Benefit and Other Financial
Support
The process of Housing Benefit & Council Tax claim is the
responsibility of the local authority, which would be Medway
council, however if you live in Lordswood it would come
under Maidstone
Borough council .The amount of benefits you will be
entitled to will depend on your income, your savings, your rent and
how many people live with you. Your Housing Benefit
will normally be paid direct to mhs
homes as outlined in your tenancy agreement.
If you already have a claim for Housing Benefit
with Medway Council and you move within in mhs
homes properties via transfer or mutual exchange,
then you must complete the Brown form "Housing
Benefit and Council Tax Benefit change of address form". This
form MUST be handed into Housing Benefit
within 28 days of the date of issue.
If you are claiming a brand new Housing Benefit or moved
from another borough and into Medway, you must complete the Blue
Housing Benefit form. This Form MUST be handed
into Housing Benefit within exactly one calendar month from the
date of issue, e.g. if issued on 12/07/09 then the date is 11/08/09
or if issued on the 1/08/09 the date date the form must be handed
in by is 30/09/09.
NB: If the claim is for changing the applicant/s, then the Blue
form needs to be completed as this is a new claim.
It is your responsibility to apply for Housing Benefit as soon
as your circumstances change. Our Welfare Benefit Advisors can provide you
with advise and support with your claim.
Local Housing Allowance
If you are moving into property built after 1990 you will
be treated as a private tenant when you claim for Housing
Benefit. Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the new way of working out new claims
for Housing Benefit from tenants renting accommodation. Housing
Benefit is paid directly to you, unless there are any special
circumstances which may effect payment being made direct to you.
You will then be responsible for paying your rent to mhs
homes.
For more information on housing and other benefits ring Medway
Council on 01634 333333 or visit their website at
http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/housing/housebenefit.htm