Housing Benefit — Eligibility, Rates, and Your Rights
Housing Benefit helps with rent costs for people on a low income. Most new claimants now receive the housing costs element of Universal Credit instead of Housing Benefit — but Housing Benefit still exists and is still paid to hundreds of thousands of people. This guide explains who can still claim, how it's calculated, and what to do if you've been underpaid or your benefit is cut.
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Who can still claim Housing Benefit?
Housing Benefit is no longer available to most new claimants — they apply for the housing costs element of Universal Credit instead. However, you can still make a new claim for Housing Benefit if:
- ✓You (or your partner) are State Pension age or over
- ✓You live in temporary accommodation
- ✓You live in supported, sheltered, or exempt accommodation
- ✓You already receive Housing Benefit and are not being migrated to UC yet
How much Housing Benefit can I get?
The amount you get depends on several factors:
- ✓Whether you rent privately (Local Housing Allowance applies) or from a council/housing association
- ✓How many bedrooms you need (the bedroom standard)
- ✓Your income and capital
- ✓Whether the benefit cap applies to you
- ✓Whether you have non-dependants living with you (a deduction may apply)
For private renters, Housing Benefit is limited to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for your area and household size. LHA rates are set by the Valuation Office Agency and are based on the 30th percentile of local rents.
For social housing tenants, Housing Benefit covers your eligible rent minus any reductions (such as the bedroom tax, or non-dependant deductions).
The Bedroom Tax (Spare Room Subsidy)
If you rent from a council or housing association and have more bedrooms than the DWP considers you need, your Housing Benefit is reduced:
- ✓14% reduction for one extra bedroom
- ✓25% reduction for two or more extra bedrooms
- ✓The bedroom standard allows one bedroom per adult couple, one per single adult 16+, children under 10 can share, children 10–15 can share if same sex
- ✓Exemptions include: disabled overnight carers, foster carers, members of the armed forces
The Benefit Cap
The benefit cap limits the total amount of benefits a household can receive. If your total benefits exceed the cap, Housing Benefit is usually reduced first.
| Household type | Cap (Greater London) | Cap (outside London) |
|---|---|---|
| Couple or lone parent | £442.31/week | £384.62/week |
| Single person | £296.35/week | £257.69/week |
The benefit cap does not apply if you or your partner receive PIP, ESA (support group), DLA, Attendance Allowance, Armed Forces Compensation, or Working Tax Credit.
Challenging a Housing Benefit decision
If your Housing Benefit is refused, reduced, or you believe you're being underpaid, you can challenge the decision. Housing Benefit is administered by your local council, not DWP.
Get advice about your specific situation
Ash is a free UK guidance assistant. Ask about your rights, get step-by-step guidance, and generate a formal letter if you need one.
Talk to Ash — it's freeNo sign-up · No account · Works for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland