Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is an income-related benefit that is calculated and paid by your local council to help with housing costs, such as rent and service charges.

If you have more than £16,000 in savings you won’t be eligible for Housing Benefit unless you are receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.

If you have less than £16,000 in savings you may be eligible to receive some Housing Benefit, depending on your other income and circumstances.

You can find more information about Housing Benefit and eligibility on the GOV.UK website, or by contacting the Housing Benefit department at your local council.

You need to claim Housing Benefit directly from your local council. You can do this by:

• Contacting your local council and asking them to send you a claim form
• Visiting your local council office to collect a form
• Completing an online application form (if your council offers this service)