Your rights

Housing Benefit, how do I qualify?

  • In general, you can claim Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent if you are unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits which is being replaced by Universal Credit.

  • You can claim housing benefit if you are in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. You are living in temporary accommodation, such as a B&B arranged by your council.
  • If you do not get care, support, or supervision through your supported or sheltered housing, you can apply for Universal Credit to help with housing costs.
    • You are living in a refuge for survivors of domestic abuse.
  • You are living in sheltered or supported housing (such as a hostel) which provides you with care, support, or supervision.
  • If you are in supported, sheltered or temporary housing, you can apply for Universal Credit to help with other living costs.

    Extra housing benefits help.
  • heating costs,
  • cost of hot water,
  • energy,
  • food.

  • If you need help go to Discretionary Housing Payment to cover your short fall on your rent. Read more: Family benefit – FB