Housing Benefit | Redbridge

What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is a Government scheme to help people on low income pay their rent. It doesn't matter if you are working or not.

The amount you get depends on your rent, the size of your family, your children's ages, any ill health or disability in the family and the level of your savings and weekly income. You may get less Housing Benefit if there is another adult (other than your partner) living with you.

Who can apply for Housing Benefit?

You can apply for Housing Benefit if:

• you pay rent
• live in the home that you pay rent for

You will not normally qualify for any Housing Benefit if:

• you have savings over £16,000 as a couple or a single person 
• you are a full-time student unless you are disabled or have children
• you are not the person who pays the rent
• you are seeking asylum
• you are living in the UK under a sponsorship agreement

You can get Housing Benefit if you rent:

• from a private landlord
• from a Housing Association 
• from the Council 
• bed and breakfast accommodation

Housing Benefit may not cover all the rent you pay. It will not cover charges for water rates, electricity, gas and some other services. Homeowners cannot get Housing Benefit but may be entitled to Council Tax Reduction. 

How to apply

Visit the Apply for Housing Benefit to check your entitlement and apply online.

More information

Find out what you need to support your application and dealing with overpayments on the web link below.