Claiming Housing Benefit

You can use the Derby City Council online benefits calculator to work out how much Council Tax or Housing Benefit you may be entitled to. All you need to do is answer a few questions and the calculator will do the rest. Please remember, this calculation is only an estimate based on the information you supply.

To claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit you must apply in writing. For more information, visit Derby City Council - 'how to claim benefit' section.

Contacting Derby Benefits

Derby Benefits are based at the Council House. The opening hours are Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm. These times are for both telephones and for customers visiting the Council House. Please note that 4.30pm is latest time you can access the ticketing queue for Council Tax and Housing Benefit.

From 7th January 2013, Benefits and Council Tax advice services will be available by appointment only in the Council House.

If you want to make an enquiry by phone:

01332 293111 for Derby Direct Benefit enquiries

01332 255116 for benefit enquiries by text-phone

01332 255138 for board and lodge only.

Or you can email:

Derby Benefits Team or  email enquiry.benefits@derby.gov.uk

You can also take your claim form, or report any changes in your circumstances, to your local housing office. 

DWP Benefit Integrity Centres 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has created dedicated Benefit Integrity Centres (BIC) to assess current claims to benefit and ensure that claimants are receiving the correct amount of money. 

Benefit Integrity Centres are contacting claimants by telephone and post to carry out full case reviews on Income Support, Jon Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance   as part of the Government's Fraud and Error Strategy.

We would urge you to respond to their request as soon as you can as there is a possibility payments may be suspended if there is a delay.

Should you have  any queries you can telephone your Benefit Centre who will answer your query or arrange for the BIC to call you back within 3 working hours if required.