You can claim Housing Benefit if your savings and capital are worth £16,000 or less, or if you are receiving guarantee Pension Credit. Housing Benefit is handled by your local authority (council). In Northern Ireland it is handled by your local Northern Ireland Housing Executive, or Rates Collection Agency if you own your own home.
You do not have to be a council tenant, or NI Housing Executive tenant to qualify for this benefit. In certain cases, students can be eligible for Housing Benefit.
How can I claim?
Contact your local authority (council) to ask for a form, www.direct.gov.uk. If you are claiming Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance, your application pack will include a claim form for Housing Benefit.
In Northern Ireland:
Contact your local Northern Ireland Housing Executive, www.nihe.gov.uk or Rates Collection Agency, www.lpsni.gov.uk/index.htm to request a form. If you are claiming Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance, you will be sent an application pack for Housing Benefit.
Discretionary housing payments
If you are entitled to Housing or Council Tax benefit, and you need extra financial help to meet your housing costs, you may be able to claim a discretionary housing payment from your local authority council). Contact them for details of how to make a claim. To find your local authority go to www.direct.gov.uk.
Discretionary Hardship Payment
In Northern Ireland, if you rent a property from a private landlord (excluding a Registered Housing Association) and there is a shortfall between the rent charged and the eligible rent you may apply to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, www.nihe.gov.uk, for a Discretionary Hardship Payment. This can be paid if you need further assistance to meet Housing Costs.
Local Housing Allowance
You will claim Local Housing Allowance (LHA) instead of Housing Benefit if you're a private tenant on a low income, renting property or a room from a private landlord. The amount of Local Housing Allowance you may get depends on the area you live in, who lives with you, and you and your partner's income and savings. It doesn't depend on how much rent you pay. If your rent is higher than Local Housing Allowance, you'll need to make up the difference. If your rent is lower than Local Housing Allowance you can keep the difference 9up to £15) – this won't affect other social security benefits you may be getting.
Local Housing Allowance rates are based on local rents so may be different for each area. Your local authority should publish the rates for your area. To find your local authority go to www.direct.gov.uk, and in Northern Ireland www.nihe.gov.uk.