Council Tenants
If you are a Council tenant, we will pay any Housing Benefit you are awarded into your rent account.
Private Tenants (including Housing Associations)
Existing claimants - If your Housing Benefit award started before 7 April 2008, you can request that payments go directly to your landlord or you can receive payment yourself.
Housing Associations - You can request that Housing Benefit payments go directly to your landlord or you can receive payment yourself.
New claims/tenancies - If you pay rent to a private landlord and have moved since 7 April 2008, or have a break in your claim, benefit will be paid directly to you. However, if you are unable to deal with your own affairs or have a history of rent arrears, benefit may be paid to your landlord. Please see the Local Housing Allowance safeguard policy for more details.
Payments can only be paid into a bank account. Housing Benefit payments cannot be paid into a Post Office account.
Please note that all Housing Benefit payments are made in arrears. If you receive the payment they will normally be paid two weekly in arrears. If you request that your landlord receives the payments, they will be made four weekly in arrears.
Council Tax Benefit
Council Tax Benefit is paid directly into your Council Tax account.
Further Information
Telephone: 01372 732269
Email: benefits@epsom-ewell.gov.uk