If you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you may be able to receive financial assistance with your rent and some service charges. This extra support is included in your Universal Credit payment, and you are responsible for paying your landlord directly.
In addition, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction and can apply for extra help if you are facing financial difficulties.
This article explains how much housing support you can get, who qualifies for extra assistance, and what to do if your housing payment doesn’t cover your full rent.
How Much Housing Support Can You Get?
The amount of housing support you receive depends on:
Your household size
Your age
Where you live
You can check your Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate using the LHA tool.
Housing Support for Different Living Situations
If You’re Under 35 and Live Alone
If you’re under 35 and live alone without a partner or children, you usually qualify for the shared accommodation rate (SAR). This means you can only claim for a single room in a shared house.
However, you can get more than the SAR if you:
Are a care leaver under 25
Have previously lived in a hostel for homeless people for at least three months
Are an ex-offender managed under a Multi-Agency Public Protection Agreement (MAPPA)
Are receiving one of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Daily Living Component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Middle or Highest Care Component
- Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Are a victim of domestic abuse or modern slavery
If You’re 35 or Older and Live Alone
If you are 35 or older and live alone, you can claim for a one-bedroom property instead of a shared room.
If You Live with a Partner or Family
Your housing support is based on the number of bedrooms your household needs.
Bedroom Sharing Rules
The following people are expected to share a bedroom:
- An adult couple
- Two children under 16 of the same sex
- Two children under 10 (regardless of sex)
The following people can have their own bedroom:
- A single adult (16 or over)
- A child who cannot share because of a disability or medical condition
- An overnight carer (if they don’t live with you but stay overnight to provide care)
Use the LHA tool to check the housing rate for your area.
If You Live with Someone Aged 21 or Older (Not Your Partner)
If you live with an adult who is 21 or older and not your partner, your housing payment may be reduced.
Your payment will not be reduced if you or the other adult:
- Receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Daily Living Component
- Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Middle or Highest Care Component
- Receive Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Are registered as blind
It also will not be reduced if the other person aged 21 or older:
- Receives Pension Credit
- Receives Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment
- Is responsible for a child under 5
- Is a member of the armed forces away on operations (if they are your child or step-child)
- Is a sub-tenant, lodger, boarder, or prisoner
Can You Claim Housing Support for Two Homes?
You may be able to claim for rent on two homes at the same time if:
- You have moved out due to fear of violence or abuse, are paying rent elsewhere, and intend to return.
- You have moved to a new home with a disabled family member, but it has not yet been adapted to their needs.
What If You’re Behind on Your Rent?
If you’re struggling with rent payments, your housing support can be sent directly to your landlord. This is called an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA).
- You can apply through your work coach.
- Your landlord can also request an APA on your behalf.
- If you’re in urgent financial difficulty, you may be eligible for an advance or hardship payment.
What If Your Housing Support Doesn’t Cover Your Full Rent?
Your housing payment may not cover your full rent, meaning you must pay the remaining amount from your Universal Credit payment or other income.
You may be able to get additional help from your local council through a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
DHP can help with:
- Rent payments
- Moving costs
- Deposit for a new home
Contact your local council to check if you qualify for a DHP grant.
Universal Credit provides housing support, but the amount you receive depends on your age, household size, and location. If your payment doesn’t cover your full rent, you can apply for extra help through an Alternative Payment Arrangement or a Discretionary Housing Payment.
If you’re under 35 and living alone, special rules apply, but certain vulnerable groups may receive a higher housing allowance.
For more details, visit gov.uk/universal-credit or use the Local Housing Allowance tool to check rates in your area.
FAQ’s
Can Universal Credit help with my rent?
Yes, Universal Credit includes housing support to help pay your rent and some service charges. The payment is included in your Universal Credit allowance, and you must pay your landlord directly.
How is my Universal Credit housing payment calculated?
The amount depends on your age, household size, and where you live. You can use the Local Housing Allowance tool to check the rate in your area.
What if my Universal Credit housing payment doesn’t cover my full rent?
You will need to pay the remaining rent from your Universal Credit payment or other income. You may also apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local council.
Can I get Universal Credit for two homes?
You can claim for rent on two homes if you’ve moved due to fear of violence or if you’re waiting for a disabled family member’s home adaptations to be completed.
What if I’m behind on my rent?
If you’re behind on rent, your housing support can be paid directly to your landlord through an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA). You can apply through your work coach or your landlord can request it.