You don’t have to be unemployed to claim housing benefit (help with your rent), you just need to earning less than a certain amount.
Housing benefit will help you to pay all or part of your rent and it can come in very handy if you’re unemployed and worried about keeping a roof over your head.
Can I apply?
You may be allowed housing benefit if:
- You pay rent
- You earn a low income or receive no income at all
- You have savings of less than £16,000
You probably won’t get housing benefit if:
- You live in the home of a relative
- You are a full-time student
- You’re an asylum seeker
- You live with a partner who receives housing benefit
- You’re single and under 25 living in anything other than a bedsit or 1 bedroom shared accomodation
How much will I get?
How much housing benefit you’ll get depends on who you rent from.
I’m renting from a private landlord
If you are a private tenant renting you’ll have to claim Local Housing Allowance. The exact amount you’ll be paid will depend on where you live and who lives with you.
The MAXIMUM amount you’ll get for rent is:
- £250 a week for a one bedroom property (including shared accommodation)
- £290 a week for a two bedroom property
- £340 a week for a three bedroom property
- £400 a week for a four bedroom property
I live in council accomodation
If you live in council accommodation or other social housing, the most Housing Benefit you can get is the same as your 'eligible' rent. This covers rent for your home and some services like lifts, play areas and shared spaces. It will NOT cover any bills.
If you live in council accommodation or other social housing, the most Housing Benefit you can get is the same as your 'eligible' rent. This covers rent for your home and some services like lifts, play areas and shared spaces. It will NOT cover any bills.
Things to think about…
When applying for housing benefit, remember that the council will look at if your home is suitable for your needs. If you live in a house that is too large, you may be refused.
How it's paid
If you are a council tenant, your council will pay any housing benefit straight into your rent account.
If you're not a council tenant, your housing benefit will be paid directly to you or to your landlord – whatever you prefer.
How to apply
You need to contact your local council – you can find out what this is by looking at your council tax bill.
Don't forget your other benefits!
If you able to get housing benefit- or even if you're not - there are lots of other benefits you should look into as well...
Jobseekers allowance - to help pay for day-to-day living.
Council tax benefit - banish the council tax bills!
Child benefit - if you have kids, make sure you're getting child benefit.
Other unemployment benefits - our guide to everything you need to know if you're unemployed.
