How much benefit can you get?
Your Housing Benefit will depend on:
- your rent, and who you pay rent to
- the amount you need to live on
- your household income and capital
You do not need to be getting any other benefits to get Housing Benefit. However, if you are getting Universal Credit, you will not normally be able to claim Housing Benefit unless you are living in supported accommodation.
You cannot get any Housing Benefit if:
- you have savings over £16,000 and do not get Pension Guarantee Credit
- you are living with a close relative
- you are a full-time student, unless you are disabled or have children
- you are an asylum seeker or do not have a qualifying right to reside in the UK
You cannot get Housing Benefit towards a mortgage.
The maximum amount of Housing Benefit you can get depends on whether you are living in privately-rented or social housing.
Private tenants
Your maximum Housing Benefit will be based on how many rooms your household needs. For most private tenants, your maximum Housing Benefit will be the Local Housing Allowance rate for your household, in the area you live.
Social housing tenants under state pension credit age
Your maximum Housing Benefit will be based on how many rooms your household needs, compared to the size of your property. If you have more rooms than you need, your Housing Benefit will be restricted.
Read more about under-occupation rules.
Social housing tenants over state pension credit age
Your maximum Housing Benefit will usually be your full rent, after deducting any charges which cannot be covered. You will not be affected by under-occupation rules.