You should also read our Council Tax Benefits page.
Housing Benefit is a Social Security Benefit, which helps meet the costs of rent for people on low income (you do not have to be unemployed to claim).
The following information is for guidance only.
Anyone who has to pay rent can claim, it does not matter if you rent your home from the council, a housing association or a private landlord. You can claim if you live in a hostel or in bed and breakfast accommodation. Owner-occupiers can get assistance to pay their council tax.
In order to make a claim you must provide:
- a fully completed claim form
- proof of your identity
- your National Insurance number
- income, savings and all capital
- proof of rent, if you pay rent to a private landlord or a housing association
This information is also required for your partner if you have one and if you are living together as a couple your income is assessed jointly.
Please select the relevant link below for further Housing Benefit Information:
Private tenants
Who can/can't claim
How to claim
Self-employed
Rent
Local Housing Allowance
How is your benefit assessed
How your benefit is paid
Backdated benefit
Changes in circumstances
Discretionary housing payment
Overpayments
Appeals
Contact us
