Benefits and payments

Includes making a payment, welfare rights and low income benefits

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Pay a council invoice

Pay a council service invoice using a current debit or credit card, includes a Somerset lifeline bill, Bus Gate Penalty Charge or a Parking Penalty Charge

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit to help people on a low income to pay their rent

In this section

Benefit information

Includes viewing your benefit details and reporting fraud

Make a payment

You can make payments to us in different ways

Benefits and Support

Includes Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments and Exceptional Hardship awards

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View my benefit details

View details about your benefit claim online

Under-occupancy for social housing tenants

The Government has set rules on the number of bedrooms for people who rent a home from us, a housing association or a registered social landlord. This can make a difference to your housing benefit

Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates service changes

We are continuing to upgrade our systems for Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates by bringing all older district systems together into one

Understanding your Housing Benefit decision

Find out how your Housing Benefit is worked out and what your decision letter means

Understanding your Council Tax Reduction decision

Find out how your Council Tax Reduction is worked out and what to do if you disagree with the decision

Manage your Council Tax and Benefits online

Access our secure online service anytime to manage your Council Tax and Benefits, view bills, make payments and report changes

Report a change of circumstances – Benefits

Tell us about changes in your circumstances relating to you or anyone in your household

Pages in Make a payment

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Pay your Council Tax

Find ways to pay your Council Tax including how to set up a Direct Debit

Pay your business rates bill

How to pay your Business Rates and details of the statutory instalment scheme

Pay a council invoice

Pay a council service invoice using a current debit or credit card, includes a Somerset lifeline bill, Bus Gate Penalty Charge or a Parking Penalty Charge

Pay your rent or service charge

You can pay your rent or services charges in a variety of different ways

Parking fines – Penalty Charge Notices

You can pay, challenge or make a representation about a parking fine

Pages in Benefits and Support

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Claim Housing Benefit

Help with your rent if you are on a low income

Report a change of circumstances – Benefits

Tell us about changes in your circumstances relating to you or anyone in your household

Housing Benefit overpayments

Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit to help people on a low income to pay their rent

About Council Tax reduction

Get help to pay your Council Tax

Claim Council Tax Reduction

Apply for help to reduce your Council Tax bill if you are on a low income or benefits

Claim a discretionary award

Get extra help towards your rent and/or Council Tax if you are on a low income

Upload documents to support my benefit claim

How you can upload evidence and information to support your claim

Moving to Universal Credit if you receive Housing Benefit

To continue getting financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date on your Migration Notice

Changes to Council Tax Reduction from 1 April 2025 for working age residents

Information about changes to the Council Tax Reduction scheme

Understanding your Housing Benefit decision

Find out how your Housing Benefit is worked out and what your decision letter means

Understanding your Council Tax Reduction decision

Find out how your Council Tax Reduction is worked out and what to do if you disagree with the decision

Crisis Resilience Fund

Support for Somerset residents who need urgent help with essential living costs

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit to help people on a low income to pay their rent