Help paying your rent if you're on a low income. New claims are now limited to people over State Pension age or in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Housing Benefit offers
- Covers rent: Can pay all or part of your rent.
- Paid by your council: Your local council assesses and pays the benefit.
- Linked to Pension Credit: You can claim at the same time as Pension Credit.
- Backdating: Claims can sometimes be backdated.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People who have reached State Pension age, or who live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing |
| How much | Varies with your rent, income, household and local housing allowance rates |
| How it's paid | Into your account, or straight to your landlord in some cases |
| How to claim | Apply to your local council, or alongside Pension Credit |
| Others | Most working-age people claim help with rent through Universal Credit instead |
Key points
Covers rent: Can pay all or part of your rent.
Paid by your council: Your local council assesses and pays the benefit.
Linked to Pension Credit: You can claim at the same time as Pension Credit.
About Local council (funded by DWP)
Housing Benefit is run by Local council (funded by DWP). Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Local council (funded by DWP).