On this page: Information about Housing Benefit, the qualification criteria for it and how to claim it.
About Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is help towards paying your rent. You can apply for Housing Benefit if you are living on a low income and need help to pay your rent.
Free School Meals
If you are entitled to receive Housing Benefit and you have children attending school, you may be entitled to free school meals for your children. Please click on the free schools meals link to find out more.
Who is Entitled to Benefits
If you are living on a low income, you may be entitled to claim Housing Benefit. You might also be eligible if you are:
- Claiming Employment Support Allowance
- Claiming Incapacity Benefit
- Claiming Income Support
- Receiving Pension Credit
- Are in employment but on a low income
If your savings and investments are over £16,000 you are not entitled to claim Housing Benefit, unless you are aged over 60 and receive Guaranteed Pension Credit.
We will decide how much Housing Benefit you can receive based on:
- Your income
- Your savings
- How much rent and Council Tax you pay
- What's included in your rent
- The circumstances of other people living with you
- Whether you are claiming other benefits or tax credits
Benefits Calculator
Input your details into this online tool and it will calculate your possible entitlement to benefits: Directgov Benefits Adviser (www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666).
How to Apply
In order to claim Housing Benefit, you need to complete an application form and send or bring it to us with certain accompanying documents (this is explained in form).
The form is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Important: when using this form, please understand that your intention to claim Housing Benefit will only be considered when the completed form has been returned to us.