Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit

You could get Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent if you’re on a low income.

Housing Benefit can pay for part or all of your rent. How much you get depends on your income and circumstances.

You can apply for Housing Benefit whether you’re unemployed or working.

You may also be able to get help with your rent if your benefits stop.

Housing Benefit can’t be paid for heating, hot water, energy or food – if you need help, use a benefits calculator to see what else you might be entitled to.

Housing Benefit: eligibility

You cannot apply for Housing Benefit if you are in receipt of Universal Credit (UC). The housing element of UC will cover what was previously paid by Housing Benefit.

You may get Housing Benefit if:

• you pay rent
• you’re on a low income or claiming benefits
• your savings are below a certain level – usually £16,000
• If you are living in temporary accommodation, specified accommodation, are a pensioner or if you receive the Severe Disability Premium in their award for ESA, IS orJSA.

Use a benefits calculator to check your eligibility or call us on 020 8359 2111.

Who isn’t eligible

Usually you won’t get Housing Benefit if:

• your savings are over £16,000 – unless you get Guarantee credit of Pension Credit
• you live in the home of a close relative
• you’re a full-time student – unless you’re disabled or have children
• you’re an asylum seeker or sponsored to be in the UK
• you’re residing in the UK as an European Economic Area jobseeker

If your circumstances change

You’ll have to tell us if your circumstances change as his can affect how much you get.

Complete a change of circumstances form to tell us what has changed.  You will have to supply evidence to prove the change.

You should tell us about changes like:

• a change of income
• the people that live with you
• children leaving or starting school

Supply evidence like:

• payslips
• bank statements
• birth certificates

Then return to us in person or by email