Housing benefit for two homes
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
You can only usually get housing benefit for one home at a time. However, in some circumstances, it may be possible to have housing benefit paid for more than one home.
Moving home
If you have moved, it may be possible to get housing benefit paid for both your old and new home but only for up to four weeks.
You will have to show that you could not avoid an overlap between the end of your old tenancy and the start of your new tenancy. For example, if you had to accept the tenancy at your new home immediately, but you still had to give notice to end the tenancy at your old place. Housing benefit for the new home can usually only be paid once you’ve moved in.
Waiting for adaptations
You can have housing benefit paid for up to four weeks before you move into your new home if you have to wait for adaptations to the property to be finished for a disabled member of your household (decorating or furnishing the place do not count). If you have a home already, you can continue to receive housing benefit for your old home.
If you left your home because of fear of violence
If you have left your home because of fear of abuse or violence you can get housing benefit for both your old home and the home you are staying in now for up to one year, so long as you intend to return to your old home. If you do not intend to return to your old home housing benefit will only be paid on both homes for up to four weeks.
You could be afraid of violence from someone who lived in your old home or a former family member. It also includes fear of violence from your neighbours or fear of racial attacks on your home.
Your family is too big for one home
This only applies if the council has placed your family in two homes because they could not provide you with a home big enough for your whole family. You can get housing benefit for both places for as long as it is necessary.
How do I apply for housing benefit for two homes?
Payments for two homes are not given automatically, so you will have to write to your housing benefit department and ask.
Many local council websites tell you what to expect and list the address of their housing benefit department. You can use the Directgov search to find your council’s website.
You letter should include:
- the address of your old tenancy and the date that your tenancy ends
- the address of your new tenancy and the date that your tenancy starts, and
- your reasons for moving and why it was not possible to avoid an overlap.
You can use our sample letter to request housing benefit for two homes.
If you are unsure of your rights or would like help to ask for housing benefit for two homes, contact an adviser, who will check your eligibility and help you write to the housing benefit department. Use our directory to find an advice centre near you.
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