Housing Benefit advice for older people
Updated: 11 Feb 2012
 |
If you have an occupational pension you may still be able to get Housing Benefit, but the amount you get will depend on how much occupational pension you receive.
I have some savings - will this affect my Housing Benefit?
You cannot get Housing Benefit if you have more than £16,000 in savings (unless you receive Guaranteed Pension Credit
). We do not take savings of less than £6,000 into account. If you have more than this then we will assume the savings are earning you a weekly income.
). We do not take savings of less than £6,000 into account. If you have more than this then we will assume the savings are earning you a weekly income.How much do you assume I am earning from my savings?
The government can change this amount each year. The current 'assumed income' is £1 a week for every £500 (or part of £500) of capital you have over £6,000, or over £10,000 if you live permanently in a care home. Capital includes savings and investments, life insurance policies, and property that is not your main home. The Pension Service has a useful online calculator on its website which estimates your pension credit for you.
I have been allocated sheltered housing, but I do not plan to move in until I have my house sold. Can I claim Housing Benefit?
No, we can only pay Housing Benefit once you have moved in. You will have to pay the rent from your own money until you move in. If you move in, however, you can claim Housing Benefit and we will disregard the value of your former home as long as you are trying to sell it.
When the house is sold I want to give the money to my family. Can I still claim Housing Benefit?
No, we will have to treat you as still having the money from the sale of your home, if we think you gave the money away to get, or to increase, Housing Benefit.
I do not want to sell my former home as my daughter still lives there. Will this affect my Housing Benefit?
Yes, we must take the value of the property into account unless a relative who is over 60 or unable to work lives in it.
What will happen if I go into hospital?
Your Housing Benefit will not be affected for the first 52 weeks. If you are in hospital for more than a year we cannot pay Housing Benefit.
Can I get Housing Benefit if I am on holidays or visiting a relative?
Yes, as long as you are not away for more than 13 weeks. But if you know you will be away for more than 13 weeks or you do not intend to come back then we cannot pay any Housing Benefit.
My son lives with me. Will this affect my Housing Benefit?
In some cases the amount of Housing Benefit you get will be reduced if there is someone else living in the house. Please see our page on non-dependants to find out more.
