Housing Benefit (Northern Ireland) - How do I claim Housing Benefit?

You can make an application for Housing Benefit online. 

You can also download a HB1 form, complete it, and return it to the relevant Housing Benefit office. Alternatively, you can also contact the NIHE and request a form, or collect one from a local NIHE office. 

• Housing Benefit helpline - 03448 920 902
• Text Relay: 18001 03448 920 902

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. If you are not claiming benefits like Pension Credit you must give evidence of your income and savings, for example, bank statements.

When will my Housing Benefit claim begin?

If you download the form, you should also contact them immediately by telephone to let them know that you are going to make a claim. The date of your phone call may be used to decide when your right to Housing Benefit, if any, will start.

Housing Benefit can be backdated for up to three months if you would have been entitled to it earlier. It does'nt matter why your claim is late. Request this when making you claim. 

Change of circumstances

You must report changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit. You can report any changes in your circumstances online. This includes: 

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