Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit, sometimes referrend to as Rent Allowance, is a benefit paid by the local council to help people on a low income cover the costs of renting accommodation. You do not need to be eligible for other benefits to receive Housing Benefit, nor do you need to be unemployed. You should consider claiming if you pay rent but have a low income. If you have savings these may be taken into account when considering your claim.

The exact amount of Housing Benefit you are entitled to will depend on your, or you and your partner’s, circumstances. If you live with your partner only one of you can receive Housing Benefit. This will be calculated according to income, expenses, your home, your family and your rent. The amount you receive will also be subject to deductions if certain living costs are included in the cost of your accommodation, such as heating or meals.

If you wish to apply for Housing Benefit you should contact the benefits service via the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00. You can claim Housing Benefit up to thirteen weeks before you wish to receive it, thus you can ensure you are entitled to Housing Benefit in your new home before you move and avoid any unnecessary expenses. If your claim is successful, Housing Benefit will usually be paid to your local council who will pay your landlord using this money. You will pay either no rent at all or a low rent. Housing Benefit is sometimes paid to you directly in the form of a cheque, which you are expected to use to pay your rent. You must keep the benefits service informed of any changes to you or your family’s circumstances, to enable them to ensure you are always receiving the money to which you are entitled. You may even be entitled to a Housing Benefit extended payment: see Housing Benefit Extended Payment.