What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is a national welfare benefit to help you pay your rent if you're on a low income.  It's sometimes called Rent Rebate if you live in a council-owned home, or Rent Allowance or Local Housing Allowance if you live in a privately-rented home.

Local Housing Allowance is a way of working out new claims for Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord.

There are special rules for council and housing association tenants of working age if you have a spare bedroom.

If you would like to make a benefits claim or continue a benefits claim form please click here.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Check out our handy FAQs guide.