What is Housing Benefit?

1. Overview

Housing Benefit is a national scheme to help you pay your rent.

If you're receiving Universal Credit or are eligible to claim Universal Credit then you need to make a claim for help with your housing costs from the Department for Work and Pensions.

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if:

• you, and your partner if you have one, are pension age
• you live in supported exempt accommodation. This includes hostels, refuges and homes where support is provided as part of your tenancy

You can claim Housing Benefit if you have a low income of any type. The amount you receive will be based on your income and circumstances. Housing Benefit is worked out and paid by us, but the rules regarding entitlement are set by government.

Housing Benefit is available for people who rent their home from:

• the council or a Housing Association
• a private landlord

You cannot get Housing Benefit if:

• you or your partner have more than £16,000 in savings, unless you receive Guaranteed Pension Credit
• you're in receipt of Universal Credit or are eligible to claim Universal Credit, unless you live in supported exempt accommodation
• you pay rent to a close relative who lives in the same home as you
• you own the place where you live

Use the online calculator on GOV.UK to find out how much benefit you may be entitled to.

Remember this calculation is an estimate based on the information you give us.

The easiest way to make a new claim is to do it online using our Housing Benefit claim form.