Apply for Housing Benefit as soon as you think you need help. Do not delay in making a claim or you may lose out.
You can only receive Housing Benefit if you are:
- on a low income
- liable to pay rent
- living in the property
- you and your partner are of pension age
- of working age living in supported, sheltered or temporary housing (bed and breakfast, refuge, hostel, supported housing with care, support or supervision)
The amount you receive depends on your financial and personal circumstances and the local housing allowance rate when you apply. Find out what benefits you may be entitled to by using our online benefits calculator.
If you have savings, capital or investments worth £16,000 or more, you will not qualify for housing benefit, unless you are also getting pension credit guarantee.
How to claim
You can make a claim online.
Get help making your claim
We can help you complete a claim:
- Get help in person at any of our local offices
- Contact us for help
You should send us all the necessary documents to prove your income and identity. This will help us work out your claim more quickly. All documents must be originals as copies are not acceptable.
It is your responsibility to ensure we know about all your circumstances that might affect your benefit claim.