Housing Benefit Explained

Housing Benefit helps with rent, but it's being replaced by Universal Credit and is closed to most new claims.

That matters more here than on most pages, because a service leaver is working age by definition. For almost everyone reading this, Housing Benefit isn't the thing to claim — Universal Credit is, and it includes a housing element that does the same job.

There are two narrow exceptions where a new claim is still possible: you've reached State Pension age, or you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.

Either way, what you get is capped by the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area and household size, so it may not cover your full rent. Worth knowing before you commit to a tenancy.

Who is eligible?

For a new Housing Benefit claim, only two groups: people who've reached State Pension age, and people in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. That last one includes council-arranged B&B accommodation, refuges, and hostels providing care or support.

If you have a partner, the State Pension age route generally needs both of you to have reached it.

Everyone else claims Universal Credit and gets help with rent through its housing element.

If you're already receiving Housing Benefit, don't start a Universal Credit claim off your own back. The DWP manages the move and writes to you about it, and claiming early ends your award and can cost you transitional protection.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Help with rent, for the two groups who can still claim: Those over State Pension age, and those in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.
  • Universal Credit housing element instead, for everyone else: The same purpose, paid as part of a single monthly Universal Credit payment.
  • Assessed against Local Housing Allowance: What you get is capped by the LHA rate for your area and household size, so it may not cover your full rent.
  • Existing awards continue: If you already receive it, payments carry on until the DWP moves you across.
  • Council tax is separate: Council tax reduction is a different scheme, applied for separately from your local council, and worth claiming alongside either benefit.

How do I apply?

  • Work out which of the two you can actually claim: If you are under State Pension age and not in supported, sheltered or temporary housing, Housing Benefit is closed to you — go straight to Universal Credit.
  • Claim Universal Credit for housing costs: Apply at gov.uk/universal-credit and include your housing costs in the claim. The first payment normally takes about five weeks.
  • Apply through your council if an exception applies: New Housing Benefit claims are made to your local council, not the DWP.
  • Check the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area first: It sets the maximum, so it tells you whether there will be a shortfall to plan for.
  • If you already get Housing Benefit, wait for your migration letter: Claiming Universal Credit early ends your award and can forfeit transitional protection.
  • Apply for council tax reduction separately: It is a separate application to your council and is commonly missed.
  • Get free advice: The Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Citizens Advice and Shelter all help with housing claims at no cost.

Common questions

Can you still claim Housing Benefit?

Only in two cases. It is closed to most new claims, so unless you have reached State Pension age or live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing, you claim Universal Credit and include your housing costs there.

Who can still make a new Housing Benefit claim?

People who have reached State Pension age, and people living in supported, sheltered or temporary housing, which includes council-arranged B and B accommodation, refuges and hostels providing care or support.

Does Universal Credit help with rent instead?

Yes. Universal Credit includes a housing element that does the same job, capped by the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area and household size.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO