Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is administered by the Local Authority on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions, it provides assistance with the payment of rent to those who are on a low income.

In general you will only be eligible to make a new application for Housing Benefit if:

  • You have reached Pension Credit qualifying age
  • You live in supported or temporary accommodation

If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

The amount of Housing Benefit you may receive is calculated by a means test and will depend on your income, capital and household circumstances.

Housing Benefit entitlement for those renting in the private sector is calculated under Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rules.