Benefits - Housing Benefit
What is it?
Housing Benefit is a benefit paid by the Local Authority for
people on a low income to help them pay their rent. You may be able
to get Housing Benefit if you are on other benefits, work part-time
or work full-time on a low income. You cannot get Housing Benefit
to help with the costs of a mortgage or home loan
Who is eligible?
In order to be eligible for Housing Benefit:
- You can be on other benefits, work part-time or full-time on a
low income and still be eligible for Housing Benefit.
- You must pay rent for your home or live with your partner who
is responsible for paying the rent. Only one member of the couple
living together can claim the Housing Benefit.
- You must live in the house you are claiming for as your main
home.
- You can get Housing Benefit for a flat or if you rent a room in
a hostel or are a boarder.
- You can claim if you share a house or a flat, are a joint
tenant or a sub tenant.
- You must have savings less than £16,000 UNLESS you are on
pension credit guarantee where there is no limit for the amount of
savings.
- Live in the UK
How much will I get?
- Household income including earnings, some benefits and tax
credits, occupational pension income. Child benefit is no longer
counted as income, when calculating entitlement.
- Savings
- Circumstances including ages and size of family and any person
with disability in the family.
The Local Authority will look at:
- Is the rent reasonable for your home.
- Is the home reasonable for you and your family size.
- Is the rent reasonable for the area.
You cannot get housing benefit if you are 16 or 17 and have been
in care as the Local Authority will have a duty of care to
accommodate and support you.
How do I apply?
To claim for Housing Benefit:
For more information on Housing Benefit visithttp://www.direct.gov.uk/ or
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/