Housing Benefit

If you're not eligible for Universal Credit, you may be able to get help with your rent through Housing Benefit. To apply, contact your Local Authority.

You can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if:

  • You have reached State Pension age

  • You are part of a couple and one of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit for both of you before 15 May 2019

  • You live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing

You can find your Local Authority using the GOV.UK council finder tool (this link will open in a new tab and take you away from our site).  

To learn more, visit the Housing Benefit information page on GOV.UK (this link will open in a new tab and take you away from our site).

If you need advice or support with claiming benefits, contact our Income Team on 0344 736 0066.

What happens if I am a joint tenant and one of us leaves the property?

As joint tenants, you are both responsible for paying the rent until the tenancy becomes a sole tenancy. If you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you must inform the Housing Benefit or DWP office as soon as the changes have been made to your account.

If you need support with paying your rent, you must make a claim for Universal Credit unless the below exemptions apply:

  • You have reached State Pension age
  • You are part of a couple and one of you has reached State Pension age and has started claiming Pension Credit (for you both) before 15 May 2019
  • You’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing