Housing benefit
Who can claim housing benefit?
Anyone who has to pay rent for their home can claim housing benefit.
You can claim housing benefit even if you are working.
You don't need to have made any national insurance contributions.
You can still claim housing benefit even if you are not getting any other benefits.
You can live in a:
- Council house
- Privately rented accommodation
- Hostel
- Hotel
- Guest house or other similar accommodation
- Other types of rented accommodation (except most residential care or nursing homes)
To be entitled to housing benefit
- You must live in the UK
- You must occupy the dwelling as your home
- You must be liable to pay rent for the dwelling
Housing benefit is not available if you
- Have savings or capital of £16,000 or more
- Are in a co-ownership scheme
- own your own home or a buying your own home
- Are in a nursing home or residential care home
- Are a full time student in higher education (unless you are in an exempt category, for example single parents)
- Live in the same household as and, have to pay rent, to a close relative, in-law or employer
If you are liable to pay council tax you may be entitled to council tax benefit.
