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.
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:
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.
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.
Your award letter, provides a breakdown of your entitlement and the calculations used.
You need to tell us straight away about any change that could affect how much Housing Benefit you get.
How to send us the evidence we need to support your housing benefit claim or a change in circumstances.
If you think that your Housing Benefit decision is wrong then you can ask us to look at it again and review it.
Sometimes we can pay benefit for a limited period before you make your claim. This is called backdating.
How to repay us if we pay you too much Housing Benefit.
If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but are struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to get extra help.
Allows exemptions from the rules restricting how much rent is used in the benefit calculation.
Answers to the most asked questions about Housing Benefit
To apply for or view Council Tax and benefits online, you will need to register online.
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.
Help with our secure online service that helps you to manage your Council Tax account and applying for benefits.
Contact us via this form if you can't find the information you're looking for.