Are You Missing Out on Housing Benefit? Find Out Who Qualifies

Housing Benefit is a government scheme designed to help individuals with their rent payments if they are unemployed, on a low income, or receiving certain benefits. However, it is being replaced by Universal Credit, meaning only specific groups of people can make a new claim. This guide explains who can apply, eligibility rules, and what to do if you’re not eligible.

Who Can Make a New Housing Benefit Claim?

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if one of the following applies:

• You have reached State Pension age
• You live in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing

If you do not meet these criteria, you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

Housing Benefit for Pensioners

If You Have Reached State Pension Age

If you are single and have reached State Pension age, you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit.

If You Live with a Partner

You can make a new claim if:

• Both you and your partner have reached State Pension age
• One of you reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit (as a couple) before 15 May 2019

Existing Housing Benefit Claims for Pensioners

If you were already getting Housing Benefit before 15 May 2019 and had reached State Pension age, your claim will not be affected—even if your partner is younger.

Important: If your Housing Benefit stops due to a change in circumstances, you cannot restart your claim unless you and your partner meet the criteria for a new claim.

Housing Benefit for Supported, Sheltered, or Temporary Housing

You can still apply for Housing Benefit if you live in:

• Temporary accommodation, such as a B&B arranged by your local council
• A refuge for survivors of domestic abuse
• Sheltered or supported housing (such as a hostel) that provides care, support, or supervision

If your supported or sheltered housing does not provide care, support, or supervision, you must apply for Universal Credit instead.

Universal Credit can still help with other living costs even if you qualify for Housing Benefit for your rent.

Who Cannot Claim Housing Benefit?

You cannot claim Housing Benefit if any of the following apply:

• You have savings over £16,000 (unless you get Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit)
• You’re paying a mortgage (you may qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) instead)
• You live in a relative’s home
• You already receive Universal Credit (unless you live in temporary or supported housing)
• Your partner is already claiming Housing Benefit
• You’re a full-time student
• You’re in the UK as an EEA jobseeker
• You’re an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK
• You are subject to immigration control and your visa states you cannot claim public funds
• You are a Crown Tenant
• You have reached State Pension age, but your partner has not (unless you had a joint claim before 15 May 2019)

If you do not qualify for Housing Benefit, you may be eligible for other housing support options, including Universal Credit.

How to Check If You’re Eligible

Before applying, you can use a benefits calculator to check if you qualify for Housing Benefit. If you are not eligible, you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

Housing Benefit is now only available to pensioners or individuals in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing. If you are under State Pension age, you will likely need to apply for Universal Credit instead. Those in sheltered or supported housing may still receive Housing Benefit, but only if their accommodation provides care, support, or supervision. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, using a benefits calculator can help determine your eligibility before you apply.

FAQ’s