Overview of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction

Housing Benefit is means-tested state benefit that helps some people who are on low incomes pay their rent. Universal Credit may assist people who cannot claim Housing Benefit. Council Tax Reduction is a Scottish scheme which assists people who are on low incomes by reducing their Council Tax.

Here in the Benefits Office we receive, assess and pay claims for Housing and Council Tax Reduction. We provide Advice On Claiming Housing Benefit and also give advice about claiming other related Welfare Benefits.

The amount of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction that is awarded depends upon the circumstances of the person making the claim and those of other people in their household. Therefore, people who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction must notify the Council in writing immediately if they have a Change of Circumtsances.

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar complies with the Data Protection Act in respect of personal information held. To make an application for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction, you will need to complete and return a Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Claim Form (Opens in a new window or downloads a file). 

Extra Assistance

If you are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit but need extra help, find out about Discretionary Housing Payments.