If your income is too high
If your weekly income is over your applicable amount, you will have to pay towards your rent and council tax.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit is assessed by comparing your income with an amount set by Parliament. This is for your day-to-day living expenses and it is called the 'applicable amount'.
The applicable amount is different for every person. It depends on your age; if you have a partner or children; or if someone in your household is disabled. It is made up of personal allowances, for general needs, and premiums, for special needs. Your applicable amount, and how it has been calculated, is shown on your decision letter.
If your weekly income is less than, or the same as your applicable amount, we pay the maximum eligible benefit. The maximum eligible benefit may be reduced to the average rent in the area or the Local Housing Allowance. It may also be reduce if you have someone living with you who is over 18. For more information see Non-dependant Charges.
If your weekly income is over your applicable amount, you will have to pay towards your rent and council tax.
Rent - For each £1 your income is more than your applicable amount you will have to pay 65p towards your rent.
Council Tax - For each £1 your income is more than your applicable amount you will have to pay 20p towards council tax.
More information on your income and we work out your benefit
