If you're of working age and need help with housing costs, you typically cannot claim Housing Benefit; instead, you must apply for Universal Credit. However, there are specific situations where you can still make a new claim for Housing Benefit, such as if you've reached State Pension Age or are living in certain types of supported or temporary housing.
Here's a quick overview of the situations where you can claim Housing Benefit:
| Eligibility to Claim Housing Benefit |
|---|
| Reached State Pension Age |
| Living in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing |
| Living in temporary accommodation arranged by the council, such as a B&B |
| Living in a refuge for survivors of domestic abuse |
| Living in sheltered or supported housing that provides 'care, support or supervision' |
If you think you might be entitled, you should claim as soon as possible to avoid any loss of benefits. You can apply for Housing Benefit online.