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Housing Benefit
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Housing Benefit
What is it?
Housing Benefit is a benefit that is paid by the government, but distributed through local authority (local council), to help people who have little or no money, to pay for housing if they rent.
Housing benefit can only be paid for people in rented property, including a bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation, rent for a caravan, houseboat or mobile home. If you have a mortgage, then housing benefit would not be applicable, and you may be receive help with mortgage payments through Income support, or through income-based Jobseekers Allowance.
In order to receive Housing Benefit, you would need to have a low form of income, have no more than £16,000.00 in savings, and either you, or your partner pays rent on the accommodation. However, having savings over £3,000.00 could affect the amount of Housing Benefit you will receive.
Housing Benefit will cover all the applicable costs of your rent, up to a certain amount, including charges for services such as a caretaker, communal laundry services, or play areas.
How much will I get?
The maximum amounts that you can receive through Housing Benefit depend on your circumstances, but as a general rule you could expect to receive the following.
If you are single, and aged between 18 and 24, then you may receive up to £44.05 a week.
If you are single, and aged 25 or over, then you may receive up to £55.65 a week.
If you are aged 60 or over, then you could be entitled to a little more.
If you are a single parent under the age of 18, then you could receive up to £44.05 a week.
If you are a single parent aged 18 or over, then you could receive up to £55.65 a week.
If you are a couple, and both under the age of 18, then you could receive up to £66.50 a week.
If you are a couple, and both aged 18 or over, then you could receive up to £87.30 a week.
If you are aged 60 or over, then you could be entitled to a little more.
However, you should keep in mind that these figures only give the maximum amounts that you could expect to receive. Some deductions could be made depending on your individual circumstances. Deductions can be made for items such as heating, lighting, and hot water. You may also have an amount deducted based on any income that you may have, because Housing Benefit is means tested, but your income is only considered after Tax and National Insurance have been taken off.
How do I apply?
In order to claim Housing Benefit, you will need to complete form (HCTB1).
Where do I apply?
You can obtain form HCTB1 from your local council. There may be a slight delay before the money is actually paid though, as some council’s will have a backlog of claims. So be patient.
Alternatively, you can obtain the form HCTB1 from the Department of Work and Pensions website by logging on to www.dwp.gov.uk, or by clicking your mouse on the link below.
Click here to download the form.
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