Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a national benefit paid by the Government but administered by Local Councils. Housing Benefit helps people on a low income to pay their rent. You do not have to be in receipt of state benefits in order to qualify.

Housing benefit is means tested which means it is calculated by taking into account your income, savings and investments. Housing Benefit can only be paid on the actual rent that is charged. If you pay service charges within your rental charge they may not be paid for by Housing Benefit.

You can get Housing Benefit as long as you are actually living in a property and as long as you are the person who who is responsible for paying the rent to:

• The council
• A housing association or registered social landlord
• A private landlord

Housing Benefit paid to private tenants who rent their homes from a private landlord is called Local Housing Allowance. Find out more about Local Housing Allowance.