Claiming benefits for two homes

You could claim universal credit or housing benefit for help with rent on 2 homes if:

• you left your usual home because of fear of violence

• changes for disabled people are being made in your new home, like a wet bathroom or stairlift

• you claim housing benefit, moved within the last 4 weeks and still have to pay rent for your old home

You can also get help with rent on 2 homes if the council houses you in 2 properties because of the size of your family.

Leaving because of fear of violence

If you leave your home for a short time because of fear of violence, you could get help with both:

• rent on your usual home

• housing costs in a refuge or temporary housing

Fear of violence in your home includes:

• domestic abuse from a partner, former partner or relative

• violence from others, for example, racist attacks on your home or serious threats from neighbours

Disability works in your new home

You could get help with rent for your old and new home if both:

• your new tenancy has started and you have to pay rent

• you cannot move into your new home because you're waiting for changes like a ramp or wet bathroom

The changes could be for you or a disabled household member.

If you get universal credit, you can get this help if you, your partner or a dependent child gets one of these benefits:

• attendance allowance

• personal independence payment (PIP) – daily living component

• disability living allowance (DLA) – middle or high care component

If you moved home within the last 4 weeks

You can sometimes get help with rent at your old home and your new home for up to 4 weeks if:

• you get housing benefit

• you could not avoid an overlap with your 2 tenancies when you moved

For example, if you had to accept and move in a council home quickly but also had to give notice on your private tenancy.

Reporting changes when you move home

Report changes right away if you move out for a short time or for good.

Find out about:

• how moving home affects universal credit

• housing benefit rules if you move to another council area

Still need help?