Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (which helps people to pay their rent and Council Tax) are means tested benefits and both are administered by Chelmsford Borough Council based on rules and procedures set by the Government. These pages aim to answer your questions on the issues that surround benefits and to help you understand what they are and when they are paid. The buttons to the left will take you to in depth information on all the 'frequently asked questions'.
On the 7 April 2008 the Local Housing Allowance scheme (LHA) replaced Housing Benefit for tenants renting from a private landlord. LHA will not affect you if you live in: - Council Accommodation
- Registered Social Housing accommodation, for example if your landlord is Chelmer Housing Partnership or another housing association.
- Caravan, houseboat, or a mobile home
- Hostel or bed and breakfast accommodation.
- Accommodation where your tenancy started before 15 January 1989
For further information about Local Housing Allowance please go to the LHA web page. The current months LHA rates for Chelmsford Local Authority area can be seen below. If you want to see previous months LHA rates you can use the link on the right. You should use the South West Area LHA rates if you live in or plan to move to the Wickford area and/or the postcode starts with SS. Current Months LHA Rates (December 2008) | Shared Room Rate | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3 bedroom | 4 bedroom | 5 bedroom |
|---|
| Chelmsford Area | £65.00 | £126.92 | £160.38 | £190.38 | £288.46 | £346.15 | | South West Area | £76.15 | £123.46 | £161.54 | £184.62 | £288.46 | £392.31 |
Next Months LHA Rates (January 2009) | Shared Room Rate | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3 bedroom | 4 bedroom | 5 bedroom |
|---|
| Chelmsford Area | £65.00 | £126.92 | £161.54 | £184.62 | £288.46 | £346.15 | | South West Area | £75.58 | £123.46 | £161.54 | £184.62 | £288.46 | £392.31 |
Previous Months LHA Rates (November 2008) | Shared Room Rate | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3 bedroom | 4 bedroom | 5 bedroom |
|---|
| Chelmsford Area | £65.00 | £126.92 | £160.38 | £190.38 | £288.46 | £346.15 | | South West Area | £76.15 | £126.92 | £161.54 | £184.62 | £288.46 | £421.16 |
If you have any further questions or need help, please contact this office by: Phone: 01245 606879 The phone lines are open between 8.30am and 5.15 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.45pm on Friday, and voicemail is available at all other times. Minicom: A dedicated Minicom number is available on 01245 606444 Fax: 01245 606860 Email:benefits@chelmsford.gov.uk Alternatively please see online general enquiry form (see link to left). In Person: The enquiry counter is open between 8.45am and 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.15pm on Friday, at the address below. By Post: Chelmsford Borough Council, Financial Services, Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1JE
|
|
