If you need Housing Benefit in Sevenoaks, you should apply online as soon as you think you need to, because it’s normally only awarded from the Monday after the council receives your application. You can start or complete the claim form here: start or complete an application.
| What you need before you start | Details |
|---|---|
| National Insurance numbers | Yours and your partner’s, if applicable |
| Rent details | How much you pay, how often, and your landlord’s name and full address |
| Capital/savings | Details of any current accounts or other capital, including overdrawn accounts |
| Other benefits | Any benefits you and/or your partner receive |
| Work details | Employer’s name and address, wage slips, or latest accounts if self-employed |
| Other income | Any other income you and/or your partner have |
| Council Tax account number | If you know it |
| What happens next | Details |
|---|---|
| After you submit | You’ll get a reference number and confirmation it has been submitted |
| Evidence | The council will tell you what original evidence is needed, and you can post it or take it to one of the offices |
| Extra evidence | You may be asked for more evidence after an officer checks your application |
| Missing evidence | If you don’t have everything ready, send what you have straight away and provide the rest within one calendar month |
| Need help | You can make an appointment with the council to get help completing the form |
If you’re on Universal Credit, Sevenoaks says new claimants usually need to claim housing costs through Universal Credit instead, unless you’re in one of the listed exceptions such as reaching State Pension age or living in supported or temporary accommodation.