If you have been financially affected by COVID -19 please see information and useful links below regarding assistance with your Council Tax and Housing Benefit.
Do not delay in making your claim or reporting a change as any financial support may not be backdated.
Do not delay – Claim today
Universal Credit
If your income has reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic you may be entitled to claim Universal Credit
Council Tax
ECDC are offering to change the way that residents pay Council Tax by providing a two-month payment delay for the months of April and May.
Residents can request to push back the start of their council tax payments until June to offer financial assistance to those who are being affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note that instalments will only be deferred once during this financial year, and any arrears will need to be paid before 31 March 2021.
Help with Paying Your Council Tax
Make a claim for Council Tax Reduction below if you are on a low income or your income has reduced and you have less than £16,000 in capital.
If you are already in receipt of Council Tax Reduction complete our Change of Circumstance form below to let us know about changes to your income.
Help With Paying Your Rent
Most working age people should claim help with rent costs through Universal Credit,
However, if you are pension age OR live in supported or temporary accommodation you should claim Housing Benefit using the links below.
If you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit complete our Change of Circumstance form below to let us
Discretionary Housing Payments
If you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit and are experiencing difficulty in paying your rent, make a claim for a Discretionary Housing Payment below as you may be entitled to some additional support.
Further Help and Guidance
The Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service has put together a range of pages with useful information on how Coronavirus may affect your financial situation:
- Coronavirus and your money - what to do if you need to take time off
- Coronavirus - what it means to you and what you are entitled to
Coronavirus Support for Employees, DWP Benefit Claimants and Businesses
The Department for Work and Pensions has a range of extra support and measures that have been put in place to help workers, benefit claimants and businesses affected by the coronavirus. Further information can be found on the Gov.UK website.
East Cambridgeshire District Council
The Council Tax and Benefits service is administered on behalf of ECDC by Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP), please visit Anglia Revenues Online for further assistance.