You can apply for housing benefit online through Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s housing benefit application page. You’ll need to complete the form and provide the supporting details they ask for, and you may be asked to upload evidence during or after the application.
| What you need to apply | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Apply for housing benefits and/or council tax reduction |
| Information needed | Claim reference number and council tax account number if known; names of all adults in the home and their National Insurance numbers and employment details; living arrangements, rent charged, tenancy start date and landlord details; any benefits you receive; any other income, for example self-employment or a pension; details of bank, building society and savings accounts including account details and amounts held |
| Evidence | You can upload evidence when completing the form, or submit it afterwards using the evidence upload link |
| If evidence is needed | If you give your email address and haven’t uploaded evidence already, the council will email you a list of what’s needed |
| Decision timescale | Within 17 days of a decision, once the application and supporting information are received |
| When payments start | Normally from the Monday after your claim has been processed |
Folkestone & Hythe says you can only make a new housing benefit claim if you and your partner have both reached state pension age, or if you’re in exempt accommodation or temporary accommodation placed by the council. If you don’t fit one of those categories, you must claim Universal Credit for help with housing costs.