West Oxfordshire District Council

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Applying for housing benefit

If you are having trouble paying your rent you may be able to claim housing benefit.

To apply complete and return:

It is important that you check you have provided the evidence required as your application cannot be processed without it. See the checklist on the back of the housing benefits application form for details.

Return completed forms to:

Benefit services
P.O. Box 302
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX28 1WP

We aim to determine complete applications within 14 days. You will receive a letter to confirm your application is being processed.

Payment of housing benefit

If you qualify for assistance we can pay the money directly into your bank account.

In some circumstances we understand that applicants may not be able to cope with paying their own rent and need payments to be made straight to their landlord. These circumstances could be that the applicant has:

learning difficulties
medical conditions
debt problems
inability to open a bank account
a history of rent arrears
mental health problems
undischarged bankruptcy
previous evictions
utility service arrears

Payments can be made straight to the landlord if they meet the safeguard criteria.

Changes to housing benefits and payments to landlords

Following changes to housing benefit in April 2011 applicants can offer landlords the option of receiving payment directly from the Council in return for reducing rent prices to an agreed affordable level. Discuss this option with our benefits team (contact details below).

For more information, help with making your application or negotiating with your landlord contact the benefits team online or call 01993 861030.