How to use Citizen Access benefits portal

The portal can be accessed online.

Some areas can be used without registering. These include:

  • making a new claim
  • reporting a change of address (within the 'Existing claim' tab)
  • uploading documents (within the 'Existing claim' tab)
  • other forms area (making a general enquiry or requesting a reconsideration)

You will need to register your account to:

  • see details of your claim
  • report a change in circumstances
  • view notification letters

The look and function of the Citizen Access Portal

This section gives you information into how the portal looks and the options available to you.

Citizen Access Homepage

When you first visit the portal, you are met with 4 main tabs:

  • Council Tax
  • Business Rates
  • Benefits
  • Discretionary Housing Payments

Benefits tab

From the Benefits tab you have a range of options:

  • you can make a new claim or retrieve a claim that you have already started
  • under 'Existing claim' you can:
    • view a claim summary
    • view letters
    • report a change of address
    • report a change of circumstances
  • upload documents
  • under 'Other forms' you can complete a:
    • General Enquiry
    • HB OP Income and Expenditure
    • Payment on 2 Homes
    • HB/CTR reconsideration

How to Register a Citizen Access Benefit Account

  1. visit the Citizen Access Benefits Portal
  2. click on 'Register'
  3. complete the relevant questions (the postcode needs a space in the middle)
  4. click 'Authenticate'
  5. input email, telephone number, username and password
  6. tick the two terms and conditions boxes

Your account is now registered and an activation link will be emailed to you.

Follow the instructions in the email to activate your account.

Once activated you can use the 'Sign in' option on the portal to access your claim.

Once you have registered there are options to link your council tax account as well.

How to sign in to the Portal

  1. visit the Citizen Access Benefits Portal
  2. click on 'Sign in'
  3. complete your username and password and then click on 'Generate code'
  4. an authentication code will be sent to your email address
  5. input the code from the email on the sign in page
  6. you are now signed into Citizen Access
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