Benefits
Different types of benefits are available to help renters and homeowners with costs of private or council housing within the limits of the benefit cap.
Where to get advice about benefits and grants
People can check their entitlement to benefits and grants, get help to claim benefits, and challenge DWP decisions with help from a benefits adviser.
Housing benefit
Rules for claiming help to pay rent, which is paid by local authorities and calculated by looking at income and local rent rates.
Housing benefit calculation rates
Department for Work and Pensions annual rates used to calculate housing benefit from 2017 onwards and circumstances impacting the amount.
Local housing allowance
The local housing allowance (LHA) scheme is an alternative method of calculating housing benefit for tenants in the private rented sector.
Universal credit
Universal credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working age and is intended to cover both living expenses and accommodation costs.
Benefit cap
The benefit cap limits the total amount of benefits that working-age claimants can receive by reducing housing benefit or universal credit entitlement.
Discretionary housing payments
Local authorities can award a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to claimants if existing benefits such as housing benefit or universal credit do not cover housing costs.
Council tax support
Local authorities can award support to pay council tax bills to people in financial need, including council tax reduction.
Support for mortgage interest
A government loan can help homeowners who claim benefits to pay interest on mortgages or loans taken out for repairs or improvements.
Claiming benefits when staying in a homeless hostel
Benefits rules while staying in a homeless hostel to help pay the rent and service charges.