Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit.
Can I claim Housing Benefit?
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:
- you’ve reached State Pension age
- you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing
If you can’t claim Housing Benefit, you should apply for Universal Credit.
You can use our online benefits calculator to find out what you can claim.
Go to benefit and budgeting calculator
How to apply
Applying for Housing Benefit online takes between 10 minutes and 30 minutes.
You can save and return to an application if you need. Return to a saved application .
You may also be able to claim Council Tax Reduction if you’re claiming Housing Benefit.
Understanding your award
Your award letter, provides a breakdown of your entitlement and the calculations used.
Your award letter explainedTell us about a change
You need to tell us straight away about any change that could affect how much Housing Benefit you get.
Report a changeUpload documents securely
How to send us the evidence we need to support your housing benefit claim or a change in circumstances.
Documents to support your applicationStatement of reasons and disputes
If you think that your Housing Benefit decision is wrong then you can ask us to look at it again and review it.
Disputes and appealsBackdating housing benefit payments
Sometimes we can pay benefit for a limited period before you make your claim. This is called backdating.
Backdating paymentsDiscretionary housing payment
If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but are struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to get extra help.
More about discretionary housing paymentSpecified accommodation
Allows exemptions from the rules restricting how much rent is used in the benefit calculation.
More about specified accommodationHousing Benefit questions
Answers to the most asked questions about Housing Benefit
See most asked questionsManage your council tax and benefits online
To apply for or view Council Tax and benefits online, you will need to register online.
Register onlineLandlords change bank details request
If you are a landlord who currently receives Housing Benefit payments on behalf of your tenant, you may request to change your bank account details using this form.
Request a change for Housing Benefit payment details formHelp with online benefits services
Help with our secure online service that helps you to manage your Council Tax account and applying for benefits.
Get help with online servicesEnquiry form
Contact us via this form if you can't find the information you're looking for.