Child benefit will no longer count as income

Rochdale Borough Council expects hundreds more people will now be eligible for housing and council tax benefits now that child benefits will no longer be counted as income when calculating housing or council tax entitlements.

The changes in the law started on 2 November, as a result more people on low incomes will qualify for help towards paying their rent or council tax. The new rules mean that many people who have never claimed housing benefit or council tax benefit, or who have claimed in the past but didn’t qualify, may now be entitled to them. 

Anyone who already receives council tax or housing benefit will automatically have their claims re-adjusted by the council's revenue and benefits team from 2 November.

Liz Thirsk, cabinet member for Townships and Corporate Management at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is an important change meaning that many families who have previously not qualified for benefits could now receive some help towards paying their rent or council tax.

“If you are aware of any families who may be eligible following these changes, please encourage them to contact our service.”

Rochdale Borough Council wants to make sure everyone is aware. Anyone who thinks they may now be entitled to benefit are urged to visit the Council’s website at where they can check entitlement using the online benefit calculator, and then make a claim under the ‘Do It Online’ section. Alternatively, they can call in to any Customer Service Centre in the borough, telephone 0845 121 2970 or email benefits@rochdale.gov.uk for further advice or to request a benefit claim form.