Claim housing benefit

Claim Housing Benefit

You can apply online for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. You can save your form and come back to it later using your password and reference number. Your claim will only be looked at once you have submitted it. You will receive an email receipt once completed, please check your spam or junk folder.

Why apply now

Many people miss out on money because they delay applying or forget to send their documents.

By applying as soon as possible:

• your claim can be sorted more quickly
• you are less likely to face delays
• you avoid missing out on support.

Completing this as soon as possible can prevent problems later.

If you’re not confident with filling out online forms you can:

• ask a family member, friend or support worker to help you
• visit one of our community hubs for extra support
• email the benefits team on benefits@slough.gov.uk.

Before you start

You will need to provide documents to support your application.

To save time, check what evidence you may need to provide. Some information and what proof you may need can be found on this webpage.

Please be advised you will also be able to download a personalised evidence checklist when you make your application.

Apply online

Use our benefits calculator and claim form to:

• see what support you might get
• make your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support claim.

You do not need to print anything, you will agree to the statements online.

Start your claim - benefits calculator and claim form

Your evidence checklist

When you finish your application, you will get a personal checklist of the documents you must send us.

Please write this list down or print it before you close the form. Sending your documents quickly helps avoid delays.

If we do not receive your evidence:

• we cannot assess your claim
• your benefit may be delayed or reduced
• your claim may be closed
• you may lose out on benefit that could have started earlier.

Sending your information on time protects your claim.

How to send your evidence

Email your documents to benefits@slough.gov.uk. Please remember to include your claim reference in the subject line.

Please send clear photos or scanned copies of the evidence. If sending documents online is difficult, visit one of our community hubs and we will help you.

When your benefit starts

Most claims start from the Monday after we receive your completed application.

In some cases, benefit may start earlier if you can show the delay was unavoidable.

More help and advice

• Citizens Advice – independent benefits and money support Speak, Seek, Save. - Citizens Advice
• Slough Cost of Living Support – local help, grants and guidance Cost of living – Slough Borough Council
• Turn2Us – benefits and financial support information Tackling Financial Insecurity Together | Turn2us
• Help to make a Universal Credit claim Contact us about a Universal Credit application - Citizens Advice