Housing Benefit (England, Scotland and Wales) - How do I claim Housing Benefit?

You should contact your local council to find out how they need you to claim. Some provide a paper claim form, others take claims online or over the phone.

You can make a claim for Housing Benefit as part of a new claim for Pension Credit. You can apply for Pension Credit online. 

What documents will I need to claim Housing Benefit?

When you claim Housing Benefit, you must give your national insurance number and evidence of who you are, for example, a birth certificate or driving licence. You also need to give evidence that you must pay the rent, for example, your rent book or tenancy agreement.

You might need to give evidence of your income and savings, for example, bank statements or pay slips.

When will my Housing Benefit claim begin?

Housing Benefit can be backdated for up to three months if you would have been entitled to it earlier. It doesn't matter why your claim is late. You should request backdating when making a claim.

Change of circumstances

You must report changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit. Examples include: 

• If you move house, or if your rent goes up or down 
• If you experience changes to your income, savings, investments or property
• If you fo into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation 
• If you go abroad for any length of time