# Am I eligible for Housing Benefit?

> Eligibility · Last reviewed 22 August 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/eligible-for/housing-benefit/
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## In short

You can usually only start a new Housing Benefit claim if you have reached State Pension age or you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. From 1 July 2026 new working-age claims for ordinary tenancies are closed. Everyone else claims the housing element of Universal Credit.

Housing Benefit is paid by your local council. Confirm live rules on GOV.UK before you apply. This page is information, not an application.

Typical amount: Whatever the council assesses as eligible rent, often capped by Local Housing Allowance if you rent privately

## Who usually qualifies

- You have reached State Pension age and rent your home (both of you, if you have a partner, unless a pre-15 May 2019 mixed-age claim was already in payment)
- You live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing that provides care, support or supervision, at any age
- Your savings are £16,000 or less, unless you get Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit
- You are not already getting Universal Credit for the same housing costs (except specified or temporary housing, where Housing Benefit can sit beside UC living costs)

## Who usually does not

- Most working-age people in a general-needs private, council or housing-association tenancy — claim Universal Credit instead
- You pay a mortgage on the home you live in
- You live with a close relative as their lodger
- Your immigration status has no recourse to public funds

## How to check

- Read gov.uk/housing-benefit
- If you are working age in ordinary housing, start a Universal Credit claim and declare your rent
- Look up Local Housing Allowance for your postcode on lha-direct.voa.gov.uk if you rent privately

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I claim Housing Benefit and Universal Credit together?

Only if you are in specified, supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Otherwise the rent help is inside Universal Credit.

### What if my rent is above Local Housing Allowance?

You pay the difference unless the council awards extra Housing Payment or Discretionary Housing Payment.

### I am 30 and in a studio flat. What rate applies?

Private tenants under 35 are usually limited to the shared-accommodation Local Housing Allowance rate unless an exemption applies.

## Related

- [Housing Benefit, LHA and extra housing payments](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/housing-benefit-lha-dhp/)
- [Universal Credit eligibility](https://moneyguide.org.uk/eligible-for/universal-credit/)

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Housing Benefit](https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit)
- [DWP circular A6/2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-benefit-adjudication-circulars-2026/a62026-closure-of-working-age-housing-benefit)
- [LHA Direct](https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.