Housing benefit: How to claim
Housing benefit or universal credit?
You can claim housing benefit if you've reached pension age unless you live with a partner who is working age.
Mixed age couples
From 15 May 2019, you can't usually make a new housing benefit claim until you're both pension age.
If one of you reached pension age before this date, you can still make a backdated claim for housing benefit. You must apply by 13 August 2019.
If you're working age
You can only make a new claim for housing benefit if either:
- you claim other benefits which include a severe disability premium
- you're staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing
You must claim universal credit instead if you can't claim housing benefit.
Last updated 15 May 2019 | © Shelter
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