Benefits (Welfare Reform)

Wigan Council is responsible for providing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Free School Meals to people on low income. We work with our partners to make sure that information and support is available if you need it.

Use the Welfare Reform calculator (external link) and information below to find out more about how the reform will affect your personal circumstances or visit the Department for Work & Pensions website (external link).

• Under-Occupancy of Social Housing (Bedroom Tax) - your housing benefit may be reduced if you are under-occupying your home. 
• Council Tax Benefit is a means tested benefit to help people reduce their council tax bill. This will be replaced by a new Council Tax Reduction Scheme from April 2013.
• Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit to help people towards their rent. From April 2013 changes will take place for claimants with another adult (aged over 18) living with them – even if this is a son or daughter.
• If you are about to rent a property from a private landlord and wish to claim benefits read the Local Housing Allowance.
• Benefit Cap will be introduced from July 2013 which limits the total amount of benefits available to each family. To find out if this affects you visit the gov.uk Benefit Cap page (external link).
• Personal Independence Payments will replace Disability Living Allowance for new and existing claimants from April 2013.
• Free school meals are provided to parents on low income and are not affected by the reforms.
• Universal Credit will affect some new benefit claims from July 2013 (in certain parts of the borough) replacing six existing benefits for people of working age. GOV.UK Guide to Universal Credit (external link).
• If you find yourself in a crisis and in need of help, you can access a range of services and support via Wigan or Leigh Life Centres.
• Frequently Asked Questions (.pdf, 63KB)

If you would like to apply for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Second Adult Rebate or Free School Meals, please use our online Benefit Application Form.

Report a change in your circumstances online if you are already receiving Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can use the facilities at one of our Life Centres.

• Is there an advisor near me?

Contact Details