Benefits and money problems
Help with money and debts
Emergency grants, loans and money help
What to do about universal credit deductions for debt
Extra help if you claim universal credit
Where to get debt and benefits advice
The breathing space scheme could pause eviction, repossession or debt recovery while you get free debt advice.
Rent increases
Rent increases for private tenants
Dealing with a rent increase if you claim benefits
Missed rent or mortgage payments
How to deal with mortgage arrears
Private renting when on benefits
How to find landlords who accept benefits
When universal credit can be paid direct to a landlord
'No DSS' policies are unlawful.
Applying for benefits
Many working age people on a low income can get universal credit to help with rent.
Some people can get housing benefit instead.
Housing benefit: hostels, refuges, supported and temporary housing
Housing benefit if you are pension age
How much can you get towards rent?
This depends on where you live and who lives with you.
How universal credit housing element is worked out
How many bedrooms you can claim benefits for
Local housing allowance (LHA) for private renters
Local housing allowance (LHA) if you're under 35
Councils have extra money to help you pay your rent.
This is called a discretionary housing payment (DHP). DHPs can help if your benefits do not cover your rent.
Help if you're from abroad
Find out if you can get universal credit
Benefits and help if you have no recourse to public funds
Sorting out benefit problems
How to deal with problems with your universal credit
How to deal with the bedroom tax
Money help if your universal credit is sanctioned
Changes of circumstances
Changes in income, family situation or where you live could affect your benefits.
If you get housing benefit
What to do if your housing benefit stops
Moving from housing benefit to universal credit
Claiming housing benefit if you're away from home
If you get universal credit
What to do if your universal credit reduces or stops
How a change of circumstances affects universal credit
Universal credit housing element when away from home
Last updated: 27 April 2022
