Cherwell says the quickest way to claim Housing Benefit is to use the online claim form. If you can’t do that, you can ask for a paper form by emailing benefits@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.
| How to apply | What to do |
|---|---|
| Online claim | Use the online Housing Benefit and / or Council Tax Reduction claim form |
| Paper form | Email benefits@cherwell-dc.gov.uk to request one |
| If you need someone else involved | Complete the authority to discuss form |
| If you want Housing Benefit paid to your landlord | Ask your landlord to complete the payment to landlord form |
| If you’re self-employed | Complete the self-employed pro-forma |
| If you have a property other than your normal home | Complete the second property questionnaire |
| If you want to change your bank details | Download the BACS form |
The online form can be slow at busy times, so Cherwell says to leave the page open until it confirms submission is complete. If you’re checking whether you should claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, Cherwell says most people need to claim help with rent through Universal Credit unless they’re in one of the listed exceptions.