You can only make a new claim for housing benefit if one of the following applies:
- You and your partner are pension age
- You're staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing
Otherwise, you must claim universal credit.
As long as you meet the criteria above, Housing Benefit is available to you if you are:
- A council tenant
- A housing association tenant
- In a shared ownership scheme (but only for the rental part of the agreement)
- Renting private accommodation
- Paying a rental charge for mooring your houseboat
- Paying a rental charge for pitching your mobile home or caravan.
You can claim Housing Benefit to help pay your rent whether or not you are:
- Receiving other benefits, tax credits, or pensions
- Working
- Unemployed
- Unable to work due to illness or disability
- Caring for a child or adult
- Retired.
But not everyone who makes a claim for benefit is entitled to receive it. If you have capital (e.g. savings, property or any other assets) of £16,000 or more, you will not be entitled to Housing Benefit unless you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
If you pay council tax, you may also be able to get a council tax reduction.
The best way to find out if you can get benefit is to contact us.
