Housing Benefit Explained

What is it

You may be entitled to Housing Benefit if you are on a low income and need help to pay your rent and service charges. Housing Benefit does not cover all service charges. Please ask if you need to know more.

Housing Benefit will not help you to pay the cost of gas, electricity, water, sewerage and telephone services you use in your home.

Discretionary Housing Payment

Some Councils have limited funds available each year to help people who are receiving Housing Benefit but still have some rent to pay and are finding it very hard to do this.

To apply for a top-up, you must make an application to your local Council (forms are available from the Council).

Any award will be for a limited period and can only be for housing costs normally eligible for Housing Benefit..

Changes in Circumstances

It is very important that you notify your local Council promptly of any changes in circumstances if you are already receiving Housing Benefit.

Starting Work and in Receipt of Housing Benefit

If you start working after a period of 26 weeks on Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance or similar benefit, you may be entitled to continue getting Housing Benefit at the same rate for a period of 4 weeks after your new job begins.

Please ask for further details.