Your applicable amount is the amount of money you and your family need to have a basic standard of living. 

It is made up of different amounts according to your own circumstances (please see the table below).

If you receive more than this figure in earnings or benefits etc. then the amount of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction you can have will be reduced.

If you receive Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (Income Based)  you will normally qualify for full benefit on your * eligible rent and eligible council tax subject to any non-dependant deductions.

 * Eligible Rent – is determined by using local housing allowance rates for most private sector tenants. For social sector tenants who are of working age, the eligible rent depends on whether you are deemed to have any spare rooms in your home.

If you do not receive Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, your applicable amount will be made up of the Personal Allowances and Premiums shown in the table below which combine according to your personal circumstances.

Personal Allowances for people of working age (i.e. have not reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit)

Personal Allowances for people who have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit

Special rules apply for people who are in hospital for 52 weeks or more.  Please contact the Benefits Section for advice.