Housing Benefit helps people on a low income to pay their rent. You can claim it if you rent your main home from us, a housing association or a private landlord.
With the introduction of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit is no longer available to all residents, depending on your circumstances you might need to claim Universal Credit instead.
Housing Benefit eligibility
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you're unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It's being replaced by Universal Credit.
You can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if any of the following apply:
- you're getting the severe disability premium, or were entitled to the severe disability premium within the last month and are still eligible for it
- you have reached State Pension age
- you're in supported, sheltered or temporary housing
Please click on the 'Universal Credit' link below for further information.
www.runnymede.gov.uk/universalcredit
If you rent from a shared ownership scheme or live in a hostel, hotel or mobile home you can still apply. To see if you are eligible, we will look at you and your partner's joint income and capital, taking into account who lives with you.
Housing Benefit cannot help with mortgage repayments, however the Department for Work and Pensions can offer support for mortgage interest in certain circumstances.
You can't usually get Housing Benefit if you:
- live with and pay rent to a close relative
- used to live with your landlord as a member of your family
- are renting a home you used to share with an ex-partner
- are responsible for the landlord's child
- used to own the property which you now rent
- live in the home as part of your job
- live in a care home
- are a full-time student
- have savings of £16,000 or more, unless you or your partner receives Pension Credit Guarantee.