How to claim Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit helps you with your rent payments if you are eligible and on a low income or not working. The amount you can get will depend on your household's income and circumstances.

You can apply online at the bottom of this page but please read the guidance first to ensure you are eligible.

Who can claim Housing Benefit

You can claim Housing Benefit to help with your housing costs if you:

Are eligible for a State Pension
- Check your State Pension age on gov.uk (opens in new window)
- For couples where one partner is under the state pension age, you can claim Universal Credit instead

Live in
- supported accommodation (this is where you receive care or support that is linked to your accommodation)
- temporary accommodation
- Waverley Sheltered Scheme accommodation

What if these don't apply to me?

If your situation is different, you will need to apply for Universal Credit for help with your housing costs.

How much could I get?

To find out what benefits you could claim, and how much you might get, visit www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

If you have more than £16,000 in capital you will not qualify for benefit unless you are over 60 and you receive Guarantee Pension Credit. The property you live in does not count as capital.