You are only entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit if you are on Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance or Incapacity/Disability benefit. In order to qualify for one of these, you apply to the DWP through your Job Centre. Once that application is successful, you apply to your local council who will pay the HB/CTB. The two organisation DO talk to each other.
IF you are not entitled to IS/JSA etc., then no HB/CTB.
Cheers
Whirls