Benefits and grants
Apply for benefits and grants in the Lewes district and Eastbourne
This page covers services for both councils. If you have chosen to access information from your own council only, selecting one of the services below will take you to information for that council.
How to claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction
Advice, guidance and application form for how to claim Housing benefit or Council Tax reduction
Universal Credit
Find out how to claim Universal Credit
How much am I entitled to?
Use our online calculators how much Universal credit, housing benefit and help with council tax payments you are eligible for.
Help with money and debt
There are many organisations that can offer help if you have problems with money or debt
What to do if a benefits decision is wrong or if benefit is overpaid?
Find out what to do if a benefits decision is wrong or if benefit is overpaid.
Local Housing Allowance Rates
Current local housing allowance rates for Eastbourne borough and Lewes district
Local Housing Allowance guidance
An overview of LHA rules including how many bedrooms, under 35 rules, Joint tenant, shared Accommodation, how we pay, paying landlords and changing from old style
Changes in circumstances
An explanation of changes in circumstances and by when you should report them
Guidance for self-employment and applying for benefits
A description of how we deal with self employed claims, including allowable expenses
Non-dependants
An overview of non-dependants, including when a deduction is made, when no deduction is made and current deduction amounts
Housing benefit overpayments
An overview of housing benefit overpayments and how to repay
Discretionary housing payments
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) - Short term help with your rent shortfall, or with your arrears
Benefit cap and recent welfare changes
Overview of benefit cap, overview of changes to family premium, temporary absence, backdating and self employment
Other benefits and help
An description of Welfare benefits project, Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme (DESSS) and paying Council Tax
Household Support Fund
If you're find it difficult to keep warm, buy enough food or pay essential bills, you may be able to get extra help.
Backdating claims
How to ask for a Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit claim to be backdated
We are upgrading our revenues and benefits system
We began migration to an improved revenues and benefits system in October 2023
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