The amount of Housing Benefit you get will depend on:
- The Local Housing Allowance if you live in the private rented sector, or
- Social Sector Size Criteria (Bedroom Tax) if you live in the social rented sector.
- The rate charge for your property if you are an owner occupier.
- A means-test - we compare your total weekly income with the amount the government says you need to live on
- If you have a non-dependent living with you; and
- If you are impacted by the Benefit Cap.
You can read more in our sections about:
You may not receive any Housing Benefit if:
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you have more than £16,000 savings/capital (unless you get Guarantee Pension Credit)
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you pay rent to a close relative that you live with
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you are a full-time student (unless you have a disability or are responsible for a child)
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you are responsible for a child and pay rent to the child’s parent
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you recently sold your home and now rent the same home
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you are a care leaver aged 16 or 17
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you are not a UK/Irish national and do not qualify for Housing Benefit
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a court has told you to live in a hostel as a condition of bail
You can read more information about:
Quick online calculation for Housing Benefit
To find out how much Housing Benefit you might expect to receive, use our:
To use the calculator you will need:
The calculator only provides an estimate. It is not the actual amount you will receive.
To find out how to apply for Housing Benefit go to:
The information in this section is for general advice only.
Contact your local Housing Benefit office if you have any queries.
Find your nearest: