Make a new claim

You can claim certain benefits from the council. These are:

  • Housing Benefit if you need help to pay your rent and are of state pension age or live in temporary or supported accommodation, otherwise you will need to claim Universal Credit.
    See: Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Support if you are on a low income and need help paying Council Tax.
    See: Council Tax Support
    You may also be eligible for a Council Tax Discount or Exemption.
    See: Applying for a discount or an exemption
  • Second Adult Rebate if you live with another adult who is on a low income and need help paying Council Tax.
    See: Second Adult Rebate

How to make a claim

You can make a claim online:

If you live in Adur (Lancing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sompting and Southwick)

If you live in Worthing:

What you need to apply online

You'll need an email address to apply.

You'll have to prove your identity. You'll need some identity documents for this, for example your:

  • driving licence
  • passport
  • utility bill

To complete your claim you'll need to provide information about:

  • you and your partner, if you live with one
  • any children who live with you
  • any other adults living at the property

The information and documents you need to provide will depend on your circumstances but will will include:

  • national insurance number
  • your housing, including your rent
  • your job and earnings
  • any other income, such as benefits
  • savings or investments

When you have completed the claim form, you will be told what documents you need to provide to support your claim. You will be able to upload these online using the link provided on the confirmation page at the end of the form and in the confirmation email.

You can set up a password to save your form and come back to it later if you need to. 

If you don't have access to the internet:

If you don't have access to the internet to complete your form online, you can:

  • use a computer and access the internet for free at your local library, see:
    Find your local library - on the WSCC website
  • ask someone else, such as a friend or family member, to help
  • call us and we will be able to send you a paper claim form

If you are self-employed you will also need to complete an earnings declaration:

The following guide will help you complete your earnings declaration:

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Page last updated: 28 June 2024

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