Care and support

Extra help with your rent

If you are getting housing/council tax benefit but it does not pay all of your rent or council tax, you can ask the district or borough council to pay you extra by asking for a discretionary housing payment. You need to show that you require financial assistance to help meet your housing costs (including council tax) and that you have good reasons for getting extra help. Coping with the needs of a disabled child or being made worse off by the new local housing allowance could be a reason. Claims should be made in writing to your district or borough council and some councils have special forms for doing this.

For more information select the link entitled help with housing costs on the right hand side of the page.

Other help with council tax

If your home has been adapted for your child, you may be able to have your council tax bill reduced by one band. This is called the disability reduction scheme. The adaptation must be of major importance to the disabled person and be one of the following:

• a second kitchen or bathroom for a disabled person’s use or
• a room (other than a kitchen, bathroom or toilet) which is set aside mainly for a disabled person’s use or
• the home has been adapted to make enough space for a wheelchair to move around in.

You may also get other help with your council tax. For more information contact your local council or select the link entitled help with housing costs on the right hand side of the page.