Claiming benefits when staying in a homeless hostel
Benefits rules while staying in a homeless hostel to help pay the rent and service charges.
This content applies to England
Last updated: 19 August 2022
Benefits to pay for a homeless hostel
People on a low income can claim benefits to help pay for staying in a homeless hostel.
Calculating housing benefit for homeless hostels
The eligible rent for calculating housing benefit entitlement for homeless hostel residents depends on the type of accommodation.
Hostel service charges covered by housing benefit
Hostel service charges for individual fuel, water, and meals are ineligible for housing benefit but communal expenses are eligible.
Deductions from benefits for hostel service charges
DWP can set up deductions from benefits to help people in homeless hostels pay service charges.