Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit that can assist those with low incomes to meet their rent payments.  It may also give you some extra money towards things you have to pay for, like the cleaning of communal areas.  It does not cover water charges which are sometimes included in the rent.

Who can claim?

You may claim Housing Benefit if you pay rent for a property, whether you rent this from a private landlord, housing association or the Council.   

Who is unable to qualify?

If you have savings over £16,000 you will not usually qualify.  However if you are of pensionable age and in receipt of Pension Credit, please contact us on 01372 732269 as you may still be eligible.

Most asylum seekers and people who are sponsored to be in the United Kingdom (UK) cannot get Housing Benefit.  You cannot usually get Housing Benefit if you pay rent to a close relative living in the same household.  You cannot usually get Housing Benefit if you are a full time student, unless you are disabled or have children.

Other Rules

• If you are single and aged under 35 years old then special rules apply, see HousingBenefit_under35yearsAugust2011_v2.pdf (704KB)
• If you are under 60 and have savings over £6,000, it may affect how much Housing Benefit you will receive
• If you are over 60 and have savings over £10,000, it may affect how much Housing Benefit you will receive
• If you have come to live in the UK within two years of your claim, it may affect your Housing Benefit entitlement.

How is Housing Benefit worked out?

We will look at:

• You and your partner's income, including earnings, some benefits, tax credits, and occupational pensions
• You and your partner's savings, including for example, current accounts, premium bonds and shares
• The ages and size of your family, whether you or any of your family are disabled, and whether anyone who lives with you could be expected to help with the rent.

For claims prior to 07 April 2008 we will also look at whether:

• The amount of rent is reasonable for your particular home
• Your home is a reasonable size for you and your family
• The amount of rent is reasonable for the area your home is in.

For new claims from 07 April 2008 we will also look at:

• The number of bedrooms you require, based on the size of your family, in order to calculate the appropriate Local Housing Allowance rate for you.

Please note - a maximum of four bedrooms can be considered in your application, even if the size of your family would normally require you to need more than four bedrooms. 


Related links
Local Housing Allowance 

Further Information

Telephone: 01372 732269
email: benefits@epsom-ewell.gov.uk