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If you’re on a low income, out of work or claiming benefits, you could get Housing Benefit to help pay your rent. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit.
You can apply for Housing Benefit if you’re unemployed or working, but you can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if one of the following is true:
If not, you’ll need to claim Universal Credit (UC) instead, find out more about UC here.
You can use a benefits calculator to check if you can get Housing Benefit before you apply.
How much you get depends on:
Housing Benefit is paid by your Local Council directly into your rent account.
If the amount of Housing Benefit you are paid does not cover the full cost of your rent, it is your responsibility to pay us the shortfall.
In some circumstances, you may be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
If you’re making a claim only for Housing Benefit you need to apply to your local council:
If you’re claiming Universal Credit, help towards your rent known as Housing Costs, will be included in your payment. You are responsible for paying your rent to us.