Who can claim Housing Benefit

Who is eligible

If you or your partner is of working age and you are seeking assistance with your rent, please first check if you should apply for Universal Credit.

If you don't meet the criteria for Universal Credit, you can apply for Housing Benefit for help with your rent, if:

you pay rent
you’re on a low income or claiming other benefits
you receive Pension Credit
your savings are below £16,000 (this does not apply if you are in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit)

You can apply if you’re employed or unemployed, but if you live with a partner, you will need to make a claim together.

Usually you won’t get Housing Benefit if:

you meet the criteria to apply for Universal Credit for help with your rent
your savings are over £16,000 - unless you get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit
you pay to rent and live in the home of a close relative
you’re a full-time student - unless you’re an eligible student
you’re residing in the UK as an European Economic Area jobseeker
you’re an asylum seeker or sponsored to be in the UK
you’re subject to immigration control and your granted leave states that you can’t claim public funds

You usually can’t get Housing Benefit and Universal Credit at the same time.

Don’t forget you may need to also claim for help to pay your Council Tax.