Housing Benefit

Housing benefit is available to help people who are on benefits or who have low incomes to pay their rent. It is paid by local councils.

However, you may not be eligible if:

·        you have more than £16,000 in savings

·        you are a full time student (except in certain circumstances)

·        you are 16 or 17 years old and have been in care in the past

·        you pay rent to a friend or relative that you live with (except in certain circumstances)

·        you are only allowed to live in the UK on condition that you have 'no recourse to public funds'

If you are an asylum seeker or come from abroad and are not sure about your immigration status it is important to get advice before claiming housing benefit. Claiming if you are not eligible could affect your right to stay in the country.

 

Where can I get an application form?

To apply for housing benefit you need to fill in a form, which you can get from your local council office. If you are on income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance you can get a form from your local Benefits Agency. You should fill in the form and return it to your local council as quickly as possible. If possible you should hand in your completed form in person and get a receipt in case there are problems later. Take photocopies of everything in case your application gets lost.

 

What information will I have to provide?

As well as the form you will need to provide:

·        your tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord confirming your tenancy

·        proof of your identity (for example, birth certificate)

·        proof of your income (for example, benefit book, wage slips)

If you do not provide this information your claim could be stopped or delayed. 

 

For further information click on:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefits/help_with_your_rent_-_housing_benefit.htm