Manchester City Council
Manchester City Council's Benefits department provides support for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Education Benefits, and related welfare support. Common reasons for calling include benefit enquiries, reporting changes in circumstances, and appealing decisions. The department operates Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00. Callers often experience long wait times, particularly on Mondays and during peak hours. For shorter waits, try calling mid-week and mid-morning. While many queries can be handled online, phone support is available for complex or urgent cases. Ensure all relevant documents and identification are ready before calling.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Enquire about Housing Benefit
- Report change of income
- Appeal benefit decision
- Update household details
- Check Council Tax Benefit status
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Personal identification
- National Insurance number
- Income details
- Benefit reference number
- Decision letter
- Supporting documents
Known issues
Callers frequently report long wait times, especially during peak hours and on Mondays. To reduce wait times, try calling mid-week and mid-morning. Some users are redirected to online services for routine queries, so be prepared to use the online portal if necessary. For complex cases, request phone assistance. Having all necessary documents and information ready can help expedite the process. If you encounter issues, ensure you have a stable phone connection and consider calling during less busy periods.
