Getting the right benefits and local support can make a real difference - especially if you’re living with a disability or long‑term health condition.
This page brings together trusted national guidance and local services to help you check what you’re entitled to, apply, and get ongoing advice.
Contact us
Benefits Helpline (Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction): 01785 619478
Open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm, and Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Visit the Civic Centre (Riverside, Stafford) for self‑service phones and computers, or post documents into the Civic Centre letter box.
For Council Tax enquiries, call 01785 619279.
For general Customer Services, call 01785 619000.
Online self service
You can use our online forms to:
- apply for Council Tax Reduction/Housing Benefit
- report changes
- submit evidence
- apply for Discretionary Housing/Hardship payments
Use a benefits calculator (gov.uk) to estimate what you could get before you apply.
Check what you can get
Use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to see an estimate of the benefits and support you’re entitled to (including Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance).
Helpful tools include entitledto, Turn2us, and Policy in Practice.
Disability and health condition benefits (national)
See the benefits available for those with disabilities and health conditions:
- Access to Work (gov.uk)
- Attendance Allowance (gov.uk)
- Blue Badge scheme (gov.uk)
- Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) (gov.uk)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children (gov.uk)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (gov.uk)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) (gov.uk)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (gov.uk)
- Universal Credit - health conditions (gov.uk)
Help with Council Tax and rent (local)
See our online forms for: