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Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit that is paid to people who live in rented accommodation, and who have problems affording their rent.
Housing Benefit is paid for by the Government, but is distributed through the Local Authority (Council), and can be paid in addition to many other benefits and tax credits.
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Do I qualify?
You will qualify for Housing Benefit if:
- You or your partner are legally liable to pay the rent (e.g. your rental agreement is legally enforceable, and you could be sued if you failed to pay), and
- Your income and savings are below a certain amount (see the Is there anything else I should know? section below), and
- The payments you make are for the home which you normally live in, and
- The payments you make can be met by Housing Benefit (this can be rent that you pay to your landlord or Local Authority whether you rent a flat, a house, a room in a bed & breakfast or hostel, or share a flat or house.
How much will I receive?
If you are entitled to claim Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, or the guarantee credit of Pension Credit, then you will automatically qualify for the maximum amount of Housing Benefit.
If you do not qualify for one of the above-mentioned benefits, then the amount of Housing Benefit that you are likely to receive will depend on your individual circumstances so seek advice.
How do I claim?
You will need to complete the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claim form (HCTB1) in order to make your claim.
You can obtain the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claim form (HCTB1) from your nearest Jobcentre Plus Office or Local Authority (Council) Office (If you are claiming Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance or Pension Credit, a claim form should be included in your claim pack).
Alternatively, you can download the form from the Department for Work and Pensions website by logging on to www.dwp.gov.uk, or by clicking your mouse on the following link:
Please click here to download the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claim form (HCTB1).
In addition to the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claim form (HCTB1), the Local Authority may also have its own form that the require you to complete. All forms should be completed and returned as soon as possible, or you could lose out on benefit
Is there anything else I should know?
In order to qualify for Housing Benefit, your savings and other capital must be worth £16,000 or less. However, if you receive the guarantee credit of Pension Credit, then there is no capital limit.
How your income is assessed will depend on your individual circumstances, so seek advice your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to calculate your entitlement to Housing Benefit, based on your individual circumstances.
If you are entitled to claim Housing Benefit, you should also check to see whether you could make a claim for Council Tax Benefit for more information on Council Tax Benefit, please click here
If you return to work and, as a result, no longer qualify for Housing Benefit, you may still qualify for the Extended Payments of Housing Benefit for another 4 weeks for more information on Extended Payments of Housing Benefit, please click here
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