Can I still claim Housing Benefit?
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In short: Mostly no — from 1 July 2026 new working-age Housing Benefit is only for specified, supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Other working-age renters claim the housing element of Universal Credit. Pension-age renters can still claim Housing Benefit from the council.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Housing Benefit was already closed to most new working-age claims. DWP circular A6/2026 abolishes remaining working-age Housing Benefit for general-needs tenancies from 1 July 2026. If you leave temporary or specified housing for an ordinary tenancy, you claim Universal Credit housing costs instead.
You can still start a new Housing Benefit claim if you have reached State Pension age, or you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing with care, support or supervision. Mixed-age couples (one over, one under State Pension age) are usually on Universal Credit unless they were on Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit before 15 May 2019.
Private-renter awards are capped by Local Housing Allowance. If there is still a shortfall, England uses a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from April 2026; Wales keeps Discretionary Housing Payments. Hub: Housing Benefit, LHA and extra housing payments. Official: www.gov.uk/housing-benefit
Primary source: gov.uk/housing-benefit
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