If you’re struggling with rent and have a low income or receive benefits, Housing Benefit may help you pay your rent. However, it’s important to know that Housing Benefit is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit for most people.
Who Can Still Claim Housing Benefit?
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you meet one of these conditions:
You have reached State Pension age
- If you’re single and of State Pension age, you can claim Housing Benefit.
If you live with a partner, you can claim if:
- You and your partner have both reached State Pension age, or
- One of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit as a couple before 15 May 2019.
If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can apply for Housing Benefit through your local council or as part of a Pension Credit claim. You can apply up to 13 weeks (or 17 weeks if aged 60 or over) before you move, and ask your council to backdate your claim if you’re eligible.
You’re living in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing
This includes living in:
- Temporary accommodation arranged by your council (e.g. B&Bs).
- Refuges for domestic abuse survivors.
- Sheltered or supported housing that provides care, support, or supervision.
When You Cannot Claim Housing Benefit
You usually cannot claim Housing Benefit if any of the following apply:
- Your savings are over £16,000 (unless you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit).
- You’re paying a mortgage on your own home (you may get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) instead).
- You live in a close relative’s home.
- You’re already claiming Universal Credit (except if you live in supported or temporary housing).
- Your partner is already claiming Housing Benefit.
- You usually cannot get Housing Benefit if you’re a full-time student, unless you meet certain exceptions (such as being disabled or having children).
- You are an EEA jobseeker residing in the UK.
- You are an asylum seeker, a sponsored immigrant, or have immigration restrictions that prevent claiming public funds.
- You’re a Crown Tenant.
- You’re over State Pension age, but your partner isn’t and you didn’t have an existing Housing Benefit claim as a couple before 15 May 2019.
What If You’re Not Eligible for Housing Benefit?
If you can’t claim Housing Benefit, you may still get help with housing costs through Universal Credit or other schemes, depending on your circumstances. For example:
- Universal Credit includes a housing costs element for most working-age claimants.
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) helps with mortgage payments for homeowners.
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can provide extra help if your Housing Benefit or UC doesn’t cover your full rent.
Tips for Claiming Housing Benefit
- Contact your local council to apply or get advice on your claim.
- Use an online benefits calculator to check eligibility before applying.
- Report any changes in your income, savings, or living arrangements to avoid overpayments or sanctions.
- If you disagree with a decision, you can ask your council to review or appeal it at a tribunal.
Housing Benefit is now mostly for pensioners and people in supported or temporary housing. Most others must claim Universal Credit for housing help. Check your eligibility carefully and get help from your local council or advice services if you’re unsure.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
Other Support Available: