Housing Benefit
Most people who need help with housing payments should apply for Universal Credit instead of Housing Benefit.
Who can claim Housing Benefit?
You can claim Housing Benefit if you:
- are of state pension age
- live in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation
Housing Benefit can help pay your rent if you’re on a low income. It can pay for part or all your rent. You can apply whether you’re unemployed or working.
See full information on who can claim Housing Benefit on GOV.UK (external link).
If you can’t claim Housing Benefit, you may be able to claim Universal Credit instead.
If you need help paying your mortgage, please see information on support for interest payment on GOV.UK (external link).
How much you’ll get
It can be complicated to work out how much you’ll get. We recommend using our online benefits calculator. This will tell you how much you could receive. It will also show other benefits you may be able to claim.
See how much Housing Benefit you could get
The amount of Housing Benefit you get depends on:
- the applicable amount (the amount of money the government thinks you need to meet your basic needs)
- other adults who live with you – please see our information on non-dependant deductions
- your savings, investments and property
- your income
- your rent
- if you’re 24 – 35 and living alone
See full information on how your Housing Benefit is worked out on GOV.UK (external link).
If you rent privately, we will usually work out your Housing Benefit using the Local Housing Allowance.
Number of bedrooms you're allowed
There are rules for how many bedrooms the government thinks you need. These rules apply if you rent from your local council or a housing association. You may get reduced Housing Benefit if you have more bedrooms than the rules say you need.
The rules don’t apply if you rent from a private landlord or letting agent.
Please see information on sharing bedrooms on Citizens Advice (external link).
If you believe you qualify for an extra bedroom for yourself or a member of your family, please complete our Request for Extra Room Form.