What is Housing Benefit?

When a person has become unemployed, or if they are trying to make ends meet on a low-income, it can become difficult to find the money to pay their rent.

Housing Benefit is a form of financial assistance which is administered by a local authority. It is available for families on a low-income to assist them to pay for their housing costs.

Anyone who pays rent on their home, either privately or to a local authority, can apply for Housing Benefit.

To claim Housing Benefit you must first complete an application form. If you are receiving Income Support, or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance you will be asked to complete a Housing Benefit form by the Jobcentre Plus staff. The form is quite long and asks for a lot of information. If you need help to fill out your form contact your local Job Centre Plus or the Citizens Advice Bureau for further details.

For further information on Housing Benefit have a look on the sites below.

You can also speak confidentially to one of Connexions personal advisers, by phoning our free phone number: 0800 435 709