Housing benefit
What is it?
Housing Benefit is a national welfare benefit scheme that helps people on low incomes pay rent for the home they live in.
Rent rebate, rent allowance and Local Housing Allowance are other names for Housing Benefit.
In Waveney the Revenues and Benefits Team run the scheme but the Government sets the rules.
The amount of Housing Benefit you can get depends on:
- your income
- your savings or capital
- the eligible rent for the property you live in
- other people living with you
If you are entitled to Housing Benefit we will usually pay it from the Monday after we get your claim.
We pay benefit four weekly in arrears - a benefit week starts on a Monday and ends on a Sunday.
You only need to claim Housing Benefit once, after that you will have to make sure you tell us if there is a change in your circumstances. We will also check our information against information held by pension companies, the Department for Work and Pensions and employers.
Who isn't eligible?
You can't usually get housing benefit or Council Tax Benefit if:
- you have savings of over £16,000,
- you live in the home of a close relative (However your close relative could receive help with their council tax)
- you're a full-time student (unless you're disabled or have children)
- you're an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK
How do I make a claim?
You can use this online calculator to see if you are entitled to any help
You can use our online application form to apply for Housing Benefit
More information for working age people in English and other languages
More information for pension age people in English and other languages
Contact us
Email: customerservices@waveney.gov.uk
Telephone: 01502 562111
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