Universal credit: How to claim

Universal credit or housing benefit?

You usually have to apply for universal credit if you make a new benefits claim for help with rent and other living costs.

You can still make a new claim for housing benefit if any of the following apply:

you or your partner are of pension age
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

If you're already getting housing benefit, you can continue to claim this unless you move to a different council area or have a change in your household or employment status.