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Introduction to Housing Benefit

 
Housing Benefit provides help with rent for people on a low income.

If you are a council tenant, you rent a home, or live in a housing association property, you may be able to claim.

This section explains how to apply for Housing Benefit and how to appeal against a decision if your application is unsuccessful.

We explain the different ways you can receive benefit and outline the rules regarding overpayments of benefits.

Home owners

Housing Benefit cannot help with mortgage payments. If you are a home owner, you may be able to get some help with the interest payments on your mortgage.

Contact your local job centre or law centre for advice.

Who is eligible to claim Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is essentially available for people on a low income who pay rent for the home that they live in.

Do you have to be unemployed to get Housing Benefit?

You do not have to be unemployed to get Housing Benefit. Housing Benefit can be paid to most people who have a low income.

Can everyone on a low income get Housing Benefit?

Most rent payers with a low income can get Housing Benefit, some people are excluded from benefit.

How low does my income have to be to get Housing Benefit?

There are a number which affect entitlement:

  • your age and the age of any partner you have
  • any children that you may have living with you
  • whether you or anyone you live with get a disability benefit
  • any other people you live with
  • the type of rent agreement you have
  • your income and the income of people who live with you
  • any savings you and your partner have
So it’s not easy to say whether you will be entitled without knowing all these things.

Who may not be able to get Housing Benefit?

Below is a list of people who may not be able to get benefit:

  • some full time students
  • people who rent their home from a close relative with whom they live
  • some people who are subject  to immigration control
  • some EU nationals who are not engaged in work 
  • people with over £16,000 in savings or property
  • some people who make payments other than rent for their home.
Because the rules are complex we advise you to make a claim and we will let you know if you are entitled.

Benefits calculator

Find out if you're entitled to receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit using the online Benefits Calculator.

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