Eligibility
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are on a low income. You cannot claim if you own your own home or have a mortgage.
If you are working age you can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you meet certain criteria:
- live in supported accommodation where the landlord provides support
- live in temporary accommodation
If you are pension age you should make a claim for Housing Benefit.
If you are charged a commercial rent for the home you live in and have savings or investments worth less than £16,000 you can make a claim.
The amount of housing benefit paid depends on:
- the income you receive
- the amount of savings you have
- how many people live in your household
- the circumstances of any other adults who live with you
- how much rent you have to pay
Use our Benefit Calculator to get an estimate of what you could be entitled to.
Universal Credit
If you live in rented accommodation your housing costs may be funded by Universal Credit. Before making a benefits application please read about Universal Credit to see how this could help you.
Benefit calculator
Use our benefit calculator to get an estimate of what you could be entitled to.
The amount you get depends on your circumstances. Enter your details as accurately as possible to get an idea of what your entitlement would be.
New Housing Benefits claims
New claims are paid under the local housing allowance (LHA) scheme. Rates of LHA are based on the number of bedrooms legislation says you require.
More information about LHA can be found at GOV.UK where you can also calculate your room allowance and the maximum benefit you can get based on this. Housing benefit is a means tested benefit and the rates shown are the maximum before means testing is applied.