The complete guide to housing benefit, universal credit, and council tax support for social tenants, private tenants, and homeowners.
This edition of the Housing Costs Handbook applies to claimants in England, Scotland and Wales.
Designed for easy use by renters and homeowners, local authority staff, tribunal members, and welfare and housing advisers.
Written by Sam Lister, Roger Thwaits and Martin Ward
Published by Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing.
The 2026-27 handbook
This edition reflects the latest rules on help towards rent, service charges, mortgage interest and council tax, and significant policy changes taking effect from April 2026, including:
how the rules work after the abolition of the two-child limit
the new rules on who gets the work capability (health) elements
financial help if you transferred from old benefits to universal credit
up-to-date rules on supported and temporary housing
It covers universal credit, housing benefit, state pension credit, support for mortgage interest, and council tax rebates across all the main claimant groups, from private renters to shared owners.
Three full chapters are dedicated to benefit calculations, with practical worked examples and around 100 tables for quick reference.
Expert guidance on welfare and housing
Beyond the basics, you'll find detailed guidance on areas where the rules are more complex, including:
who can get benefit towards rent and service charges, how much, and how this differs for renters, owners, and shared owners
how the bedroom tax and local housing allowance affect entitlement
council tax exemptions, discounts, disability reductions, and rebates
housing costs paid directly to landlords and mortgage lenders
discretionary housing payments
income and capital limits
benefit during an absence from home or on two homes
rules for migrants and recent arrivals
reconsiderations and appeals, including recent case law
Pre-order the 2026-27 handbook
Price £69.00 per copy.
A 10% discount applies to orders of five or more copies.
Paid orders will be dispatched as soon as the book is published in May.
Get in touch on 0344 515 1155 or email publications@shelter.org.uk if you have any questions.
