Housing benefit and local housing allowance
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
You may be able to get housing benefit or local housing allowance (LHA) to help pay the rent on your home if you have a low income or are claiming welfare benefits.
From April 2013, two major changes to the benefits system could reduce the amount of housing benefit you get. Find out about the bedroom tax and the benefit cap.
Housing benefit
Housing benefit – find out if you are entitled to claim housing benefit, what housing benefit covers and what rules will apply to your situation.
Local housing allowance (LHA)
Local housing allowance - or LHA - is the housing benefit usually paid to people who rent privately. Find out how LHA works and how much you could get.
Changes to housing benefit and local housing allowance (LHA)
The bedroom tax, the benefits cap and other changes could affect you if you rent your home. See what these changes mean.
Discretionary housing payments (DHP)
Discretionary housing payments (DHP) may be available if you are having trouble paying your rent. Check if you qualify for discretionary housing payments.
Claiming housing benefit
Advice about claiming housing benefit, including who can claim housing benefit, how to claim and what details you will need to provide to your council.
Backdating housing benefit
Backdating housing benefit is possible if you can show good cause. See our information to find out more about claiming backdated housing benefit.
Housing benefit calculations
Housing benefit calculations are based on a number of things. Check your own personal circumstances and see how your housing benefit is calculated.
Change of circumstances
Changes in circumstances may affect housing benefit. Find out which changes in circumstances you have to tell your council’s housing benefit office about.
Problems, delays and appeals
Experiencing housing benefit problems such as a delayed housing benefit claim? Or a shortfall causing rent arrears. See our information and advice.
Housing benefit if renting from family
Housing benefit if renting from family is subject to the type of rental arrangement and your relationship with the family member you are renting from.
For private tenants
Housing benefit claimed by private tenants before April 2008 is more generous than for people claiming later. See how these housing benefit rules affect you.
For young people
Housing benefit for young people aged between 16 and 34 is subject to a different set of rules than for those over 35. Find out how these rules affect you.
If you are under 35
Your housing benefit if you are under 35, single and living in rented accommodation, will be affected by cuts. See how these changes will affect you.
For students
Housing benefit for students depends on individual circumstances as well as whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Find out if you are eligible.
For prisoners
Housing benefit for prisoners depends on a number of factors, including whether somebody is remanded, sent to prison or allowed home detention curfew (HDC).
For mobile homes
Housing benefit for mobile homes can be claimed to help with rent or pitch fees for your mobile home if you receive welfare benefits or have a low income.
