Am I Eligible To Claim Housing Benefit, Or Do I Need Universal Credit?

AI Summary

In St Helens, most working-age people need to claim Universal Credit for help with housing costs. You can only make a new Housing Benefit claim if you live in supported/sheltered accommodation, live in temporary accommodation, or you and your partner have both reached State Pension Credit age.

Situation What to claim
Working-age household in ordinary rented housing Universal Credit
Living in supported/sheltered accommodation Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit with rent help via Housing Benefit
Living in temporary accommodation Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit with rent help via Housing Benefit
You and your partner have both reached State Pension Credit age Housing Benefit
New Housing Benefit claim in other circumstances Not allowed; claim Universal Credit instead

If you’re unsure which applies, the key point is that St Helens normally directs working-age people to Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit is kept for the exceptions above.

Sources

Claim Housing Benefit or check if you're entitled Claim Housing Benefit or check if you're entitled Universal Credit Universal Credit

Related questions

Am I eligible for Housing Benefit if I live in supported accommodation? Can I claim Housing Benefit if I’m in temporary accommodation? What counts as State Pension Credit age for my household? How do I start a Universal Credit claim for help with rent?