Welcome to sthelens.gov.uk

Making a Claim

Help with paying rent

You can no longer make a new claim for housing benefit in St Helens unless:

• You live in supported/sheltered accommodation (this is accommodation where your landlord provides you with care support or supervision)
• You live in temporary accommodation (for example, because you are homeless)
• You and your partner (if you have one) have both reached State Pension Credit age.

If you cannot claim housing benefit, you will need to claim your housing costs from Universal Credit. Your housing costs will be paid to you by the Department for Work and Pensions, along with other money to cover your basic living expenses. If you need to make a claim for Universal Credit, claims must be made online at www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-universal-credit. 

Help with paying council tax if you have applied or are receiving Universal Credit

If you are liable for council tax, help towards paying this is not included in your Universal Credit payment. You will need to apply for a council tax reduction.

You can continue to make a claim for housing benefit and or council tax reduction if:

• You live in supported/sheltered accommodation 
• You live in temporary accommodation 
• You and your partner (if you have one) have both reached State Pension Credit age
• You are not affected by the Universal Credit rules.

A claim for housing benefit and council tax reduction can be made by completing the council's claim form.

If, after making a claim, your circumstances change or you become temporarily absent from your home for more than four weeks, you must tell the Benefits Section straight away. 

You can do this by completing the council's Change in Circumstances form.

If you need to make a claim for pension credit, you can contact the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.