Did you know? How to understand benefits and entitlement - the myths and facts (part one)
There's a number of myths about housing benefit, universal credit, council tax reduction, housing costs and support for people seeking asylum - we want to bust them.
Entitlement depends on personal circumstances, income, savings, household members and immigration status. If your situation changes, you need to report it as soon as possible.
Common myths and facts
Myth - everyone who receives housing benefit or a council tax reduction is unemployed.
Fact - many people who claim help with rent or council tax are working, but their wages do not cover essential housing costs. Support can top up low income from work, benefits or pensions.
Myth -you cannot get help with council tax if you have any savings.
Fact - savings are considered, but having some savings does not always rule you out. Council tax reduction depends on your local scheme (each council has its own scheme), household income, savings and circumstances.
You can have up to £6000 savings and still get support as a working age claimant (that is someone who is old enough to work but has not yet reached State Pension age).
Housing Benefit is usually not paid if savings are over £16,000 unless certain exceptions apply.
Myth - I'm a Freeman of the Land (a person who believes they are not bound by certain laws, taxes, fines, debts, or government authority unless they have personally agreed to them), so I have no contract to pay Council Tax.
Fact - this is a common misunderstanding. UK law does not recognise "Freeman of the Land" arguments, and the courts have repeatedly rejected them. Council Tax is not a contract. It is a legal charge set by Parliament, so it applies whether you agree to it or not.
Claims that people can avoid Council Tax because they are a "living person" rather than a legal identity, or because of rights under the Magna Carta, have no legal basis and will not exempt anyone from paying Council Tax.
Myth - Universal Credit is based only on your usual contracted pay.
Fact - Universal Credit can change from month to month if your earnings change. If you receive sick pay, reduced pay, overtime or your normal pay resumes, your award may be recalculated. Always update your Universal Credit journal promptly.
Myth - council housing is fully paid for by general taxpayer subsidies.
Fact - council housing is paid for through a separate housing budget. The money for things like repairs, maintenance and managing council homes mainly comes from tenants' rent payments, not from Council Tax.
Need support or unsure what you can claim?
Please don't rely on word of mouth and non-expert advice, go to our website: Benefits | Arun District Council for information or us on 01903 737500.
Report changes promptly, and ask for advice if your income, savings, household or immigration status changes.