Managing housing costs can be challenging, especially for individuals facing unemployment, low income, or those claiming benefits. In the United Kingdom, Housing Benefit has traditionally been a valuable resource to help individuals pay their rent. However, it is important to note that Housing Benefit is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit. In this blog post, we will explore the eligibility criteria for Housing Benefit, including who can make a new claim and when Universal Credit may be applicable.
Who can make a new claim for Housing Benefit?
State Pension Age:
- If you have reached State Pension age, you are eligible to make a new claim for Housing Benefit.
- Additionally, if you are single and have reached State Pension age, you can also make a new claim.
State Pension Age and Living with a Partner:
- If you and your partner have both reached State Pension age, you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit.
- Alternatively, if one of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit as a couple before May 15, 2019, you are eligible for Housing Benefit.
- Being in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing also qualifies you to make a new claim for Housing Benefit.
Existing Claims and State Pension Age:
- If you have an existing claim for Housing Benefit and have reached State Pension age, your claim will not be affected, even if your partner is under State Pension age.
Circumstances Change:
- If your circumstances change and your Housing Benefit is stopped, you can only start receiving it again if you and your partner are eligible to make a new claim.
Supported, Sheltered, or Temporary Housing:
- If you are residing in temporary accommodation arranged by your council, a refuge for domestic abuse survivors, or sheltered/supported housing with "care, support, or supervision," you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit.
- If you do not receive "care, support, or supervision" in your supported or sheltered housing, you can apply for Universal Credit to help with housing costs.
- Universal Credit can also be applied for to help with other living costs while in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing.
Instances when you may not be able to claim Housing Benefit:
- Having savings over £16,000, unless you receive Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit.
- Paying a mortgage on your own home, for which you may be eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).
- Living in the home of a close relative.
- Already claiming Universal Credit, except if you are in temporary or supported housing.
- Being a full-time student.
- Residing in the UK as a European Economic Area (EEA) jobseeker.
- Being an asylum seeker or sponsored to be in the UK.
- Being subject to immigration control with granted leave stating that you cannot claim public funds.
- Being a Crown Tenant.
- Reaching State Pension age while your live-in partner has not, unless you had an existing claim as a couple before May 15, 2019.
Alternative Help and Universal Credit:
- If you are unable to qualify for Housing Benefit, there may be other forms of assistance available to help with housing costs.
- In cases where you are not eligible for Housing Benefit, you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead.
Make sure to check the gov.uk website for the most up to date information. Information correct at time of writing.