Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit helps you pay your rent if you're on a low income.

Who can claim

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

• you've reached State Pension age, or
• you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing

If you're working age and not in one of these types of housing, claim Universal Credit instead.

You cannot usually get Housing Benefit if you have savings of more than £16,000, unless you get the guarantee part of Pension Credit.

Check what you could get

Use an independent benefits calculator to get an estimate. You do not need to give your name or any personal details.

What you'll need

• your tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord showing your rent
• details of your income, savings and any benefits
• details of anyone who lives with you
• your National Insurance number

Claim Housing Benefit

You can claim for council tax reduction at the same time.

Claim Housing Benefit

What happens next

We'll ask for any proof we need. You can upload it in your benefits account or take it to the Civic Centre. We'll tell you our decision within 14 days of getting everything. If you're over State Pension age, we can backdate your claim by up to 3 months.

We usually pay Housing Benefit into your bank account every 2 weeks. If you're a council or housing association tenant, we pay it straight to your rent account.

If your benefit does not cover your rent, you may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment.