To claim Housing Benefit, you should check if you meet specific eligibility criteria. You can claim if you live in supported or temporary accommodation or are of Pension Credit age. Otherwise, you need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Here's a quick summary of who cannot claim Housing Benefit:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Not responsible for paying rent | Cannot claim if you're not paying rent. |
| Homeownership | Cannot claim if you own your home. |
| Savings above £16,000 | Exceeds savings limit unless receiving Pension Credit. |
| Living with a close relative and paying them rent | You won't normally get Housing Benefit. |
If you think you are eligible, you can use the online benefits calculator for an estimate or apply directly using the Housing Benefit E-Claim service.