West Berkshire lets you apply for Housing Benefit online, and you’ll need to register for the council’s Single Sign On first. If you can’t apply online, you can ask Customer Services for a printed form.
| What to do | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Check if you can claim | Most new working-age housing cost claims now need Universal Credit instead. You can only get Housing Benefit for new claims if you’re in one of the eligible groups listed in the council’s guidance. | About Housing Benefit |
| Apply online | Use the claim form for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction. You can apply for either one or both together. | Claim Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction |
| Register first | To submit an online claim, you must register with the council’s Single Sign On. | Single Sign On / Benefits online services |
| What you’ll need | Email address, NI number, names and dates of birth for everyone in the household, landlord details, rent amount and service charges, plus income, capital, savings and household expense details. | |
| Save and return later | You can save your application and come back to it within 14 days. | |
| If you can’t apply online | Request a printed form from Customer Services. |
A quick heads-up: if you’re already receiving Housing Benefit and your circumstances change, West Berkshire says you should report it straight away online or in writing to the Benefits team.