Last updated: 7 February 2025

Next review: 7 February 2026

Important: BACS payments Monday 10 February 2025

Payments due to be made via BACS on Monday 10 February have been delayed due to a computer error and will now be made on Tuesday 11 February instead.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this delay has caused.

Who can apply

If you receive benefits, on a low income, or unemployed, you can get support to help pay your rent.

Most people will now get this support through Universal Credit. How Universal Credit can help with your rent

Some people can still apply for Housing Benefit. You can make a new Housing Benefit claim if you:

  • have reached State Pension age
  • live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing

Who can’t get Housing Benefit

  • you are a student
  • you have over £16,000 in savings, stocks and shares or other funds, unless you get guaranteed credit of pension
  • you already get Universal Credit or are entitled to claim it