Housing Benefit                                                   

*NOTE* The information on this page is intended as a GUIDE to give you some idea of what you MIGHT be able to claim.

Benefits and criteria often change so use the contact details and websites below to find out what you can claim.

More on housing benefit...

• What is Housing Benefit?
• Who Can Claim Housing Benefit?
• Who Cannot Claim Housing Benefit?
• Students
• How to Claim Housing Benefit
• How is Housing Benefit paid and for How Long?
• Where to Get Help and More Information
  

What is Housing Benefit?    [BACK TO MENU]

Housing Benefit helps people pay their rent and is available to those on low incomes. You do not have to be receiving other benefits to get Housing Benefit.

Who Can Claim Housing Benefit?    [BACK TO MENU]

Anyone on a low income who is living in a property and paying rent for that property can claim Housing Benefit. The actual amount of Housing Benefit you receive will depend on your circumstances i.e. your age, your income and any savings you may have.

The size, location and rent of the property will also be considered when deciding how much Housing Benefit you will receive.

Who Cannot Claim Housing Benefit?    [BACK TO MENU]

Although your income will decide how much benefit you get, there are certain circumstances that mean you will not receive Housing Benefit.

These are:

• You have savings over £16,000
• You are under 16
• You pay rent to a relative or friend
• You live with a close relative (mother, father, step-parent, brother or sister)
• You are the owner-occupier of the property
• You are in a co-ownership scheme
• You have a long lease on the property. e.g. 21 years or more.
  

Students    [BACK TO MENU]

Full-time students cannot usually get Housing Benefit. Certain circumstances as a student may allow you to claim including having dependent children, being a lone parent, being aged under 19 and in further education or if you are disabled.

How to Claim Housing Benefit    [BACK TO MENU]

If you are claiming Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance you will get forms to claim housing benefit with your claim pack. If you need a form you can get one from your local council office or download one from the Department of Work and Pensions website www.dwp.gov.uk.

In order to process your claim the council will also need your tenancy agreement, proof of your identity (e.g. your birth certificate) and proof of your income (e.g. wage slip or benefits book).

It is very important to complete the form quickly as any delay may mean you lose benefit. You will need to tell the Housing Benefit Office if any of your circumstances change.

How is Housing Benefit paid and for How Long?    [BACK TO MENU]

There are a number of ways your housing benefit can be paid to you:

• By giro
• By cheque
• Straight into your bank account
• Direct to your landlord

Payments are made every two weeks, in arrears. Normally you will only receive benefit for 60 weeks. If you still need Housing Benefit after that time you will have to re-apply.

Where to Get Help and More Information    [BACK TO MENU]

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

Housing Benefit Offices:

There are associations and charities that can help you with benefits and with housing issues. Some of these are listed below:

The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice with legal problems, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, and more. www.citizensadvice.org.uk. For a list of local Citizens Advice Bureau offices with contact numbers CLICK HERE.

Aquila Housing Association are based in the North East and provide safe accommodation for young single women aged 16-30. Call Aquila on 0191 4771870 or visit www.aquilahousing.co.uk.

Got a housing problem? Sort it out with Shelter who have developed a website specifically aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Whether you're looking for a new place to stay, worried about how you're going to pay for it or simply want to stay one step ahead of a dodgy landlord, it always pays to Know Your Rights. Whatever your housing problem, you can get help to sort it out. Visit www.shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights.

Shelter North East. Shelter is a national organisation with local solutions, working to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people. They provide free, professional, independent advice. Ring your local office in Newcastle on 0191 232 3778 or visit their website at www.shelter.org.uk.

Some useful websites are listed below:-

This link takes you directly to the A to Z of benefits that are available. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits.

Information about benefits and services you may be able to get and how to apply, including forms you can download. Visit this website at www.dss.gov.uk.

The place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public service information is www.direct.gov.uk.

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