Housing Benefit

What is Housing Benefit?

If you're on a low income, whether you're working or not, and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent, you may be eligible to claim Housing Benefit.

Housing Benefit is paid by your Local Authority and is based on the level of rent, income, savings and personal circumstances of those living in your property.

You can claim Housing Benefit even if you do not receive any other benefits.

Who is eligible to claim Housing Benefit?

You can only get Housing Benefit if you are responsible for paying the rent for your home. You may get Housing Benefit if your income and capital (savings and investments) are below a certain level. The level depends on your personal circumstances. For example a couple with dependant children would be able to claim with a higher income than a couple with no children. You could qualify if you are out of work or if you are in work and earning.

Who is not eligible to claim Housing Benefit?

You can't usually claim Housing Benefit if:

you have savings of over £16,000, unless you are getting the 'guarantee credit' of Pension Credit
you live in the home of a close relative
you're a full-time student (unless you're disabled or have dependant children)
you're an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK

If you think you may be eligible for Housing Benefit click on the following links to take you to your Local Authority website where you can find out more and in most cases apply online. Alternatively you can use the online Benefits Advisor to check which benefits you may be entitled to.