Who is eligible for Housing Benefit

You can get Housing Benefit if you are on a low income and liable to pay rent for your accommodation.

If you have savings over £16,000 you will not usually get Housing Benefit unless you are 60 or over and receive the Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

You may also be able to ask for Housing Benefit to start before the date you applied. This is called backdating a claim. To backdate a claim you will need to:

• apply in writing
• show continuous good cause for not applying earlier

Use the link below to download a claim form for backdated Housing Benefit (and Council Tax Benefit):

If you are a student, self-employed person or a person from abroad there are different rules. For more details select the relevant section from the left hand menu.

If you claim Housing Benefit but still struggle to pay your rent or Council Tax you may be able to get extra help with a Discretionary Housing Payment. You can download a leaflet about this below: 

Page last reviewed 13 Feb 2008