Do I have to be a council tenant to claim Housing Benefit?
No. Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit, so what matters is how much money you have coming in, rather than who you rent your property from. If you are on a low income and are renting your property, whether it's from a private landlord, a housing association or the council, you may be eligible to receive housing benefit.
Do I have to be unemployed to claim Housing Benefit?
No. What matters is how much money you have coming in, rather than whether or not you are employed. If you are unemployed, or are on a low wage, you may be entitled to housing benefit.
Can I get Housing Benefit if I rent a furnished property?
Yes, anyone who has a liability to pay rent can apply for Housing Benefit.
Who cannot claim Housing Benefit?
You will not be entitled to Housing Benefit if any of the following apply:
- you are not the person liable to pay rent
- you have more than £16,000 in savings
- you are not a UK citizen or you have not lived in the UK for the past 5 years
- you are a full-time student, unless you are a full time student who is also:
- receiving Income Support
- a lone parent or couple who are responsible for a child or foster child
- disabled
- under 19 and following a further (not higher) course of education
- aged 60 or more.
Can students claim Benefit?
If you are a full-time student and living alone or in a property with other full-time students, you may be eligible for a 100% reduction in council tax. If you live with other non-student non-dependants, the household may be entitled to a 25% reduction in Council Tax. There are are some instances where full time students with dependants may be entitled to Benefits. You should contact your Student Welfare services to help you find out what you are entitled to.
Why can I not get Housing Benefit if I am a student?
The Benefit Regulations say that only certain students are entitled to Housing Benefit. This is because there is an allowance for rent built into the standard student loan.
