Housing Benefit is a national welfare benefit to help you to pay your rent if you are on a low income.
Who does the scheme apply to?
Anyone paying rent in council property, privately rented accommodation, hostels and housing association accommodation (if you live in privately rented accommodation you may be eligible for a Local Housing Allowance).
You may also be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments if your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit is less than the full amount of your rent or Council Tax.
Use the benefits calculator to find out what you could get, or check your income to see if you are eligible.
Apply for a Housing Benefit
Post or hand in your application to the Benefits Service.
Use the following form if you receive Income Support, income based
Job Seekers Allowance, Guarantee Credit, or income related Employment
and Support Allowance.
Use the following form if you are in any other circumstance.
You will also need to provide original documents as proof of your identification, rent, income, and savings.
If your circumstances change when you are on a benefit, you must tell the Benefits Service.
Find out about changes to Housing Benefits 