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Housing benefit

Housing benefit is a scheme to help people pay their rent to the council, a housing association or a private landlord.


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Housing benefit 
in British Sign Language 

 
You may be eligible for housing benefit if you are receiving:

  • Income Support / Jobseeker's Allowance / Employment Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • or if you are on a low income

Housing benefit covers your housing costs only. It does not cover any charges that are included in your rent. If you apply for housing benefit, you will also be invited to apply for council tax benefit.

Some private tenants pay a service charge as well as rent. Part of this may be included in your housing benefit.

Housing benefit cannot help with mortgage payments. If you own a property you may be able to get help with your interest payments on your mortgage from income support. You should get advice from the Benefits Agency about this.
Contact us
Housing and Council Tax benefits
Tel: 020 8690 8444