Check how much Housing Benefit you can get

Housing Benefit has ended for most people under State Pension age

You might be able to make a new claim for Housing Benefit if: 

• you've reached State Pension age

• you live in temporary or supported housing - it doesn’t matter what age you are

Check if you can get Housing Benefit.

You might be able to get all your rent paid or just some of it. How much Housing Benefit you get depends on:

• where you live

• who you live with

• your income

• any savings you have

You won’t know exactly how much Housing Benefit you’ll get until after you’ve applied. If you need an estimate before claiming, you can use the Turn2us benefits checker.

You can also contact your nearest Citizens Advice. An adviser will ask you about your circumstances and will be able to tell you how much Housing Benefit you’re entitled to.

If you rent from a private landlord

The maximum Housing Benefit payment you can usually get is called the ‘Local Housing Allowance rate’. It depends on:

• where you live

• how many bedrooms you need - check how many bedrooms you can get Housing Benefit for on GOV.UK

Your rent might be more than the local housing allowance rate. If it is, you’ll have to pay the rest yourself.

You can check the local housing allowance rate in your area on GOV.UK.

The local housing allowance rate doesn’t apply to every type of tenancy - for example it might not apply to you if:

• your tenancy started before 15 January 1989

• you’ve been getting Housing Benefit for the same property since 1996

• you live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat

• your landlord’s a charity or housing association and they give you care or support - for example if you live in sheltered housing

• you pay rent as part of a shared ownership scheme

If you think the local housing allowance rate might not apply and you want to know how your Housing Benefit is calculated, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

There are other circumstances that might affect how much Housing Benefit you can get.

If you rent from the council or a housing association

The maximum Housing Benefit you can get is the full amount of rent you have to pay.

There are circumstances that might affect how much Housing Benefit you can get.

If you claim other benefits

You’ll automatically qualify for the maximum amount of Housing Benefit for your type of property if you claim either of the following:

• Universal Credit

• the guarantee part of Pension Credit

Some things could still stop you from getting the maximum amount. For example, if someone lives with you who could help pay the rent or you have a spare room.

If Housing Benefit doesn’t cover your rent

Once you claim Housing Benefit, you might also be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if you need help paying the rest of your rent.

How long you can get a DHP for depends on your circumstances. In the long term you might need to move somewhere more affordable.

Next steps

Check how to claim Housing Benefit and Discretionary Housing Payments.