Housing Benefit: What It Is and Who Can Still Get It
Help with rent for people in certain circumstances. Most working-age renters now claim the housing element of Universal Credit instead, but Housing Benefit still applies to some people — including many people over State Pension age.
The Basics
Largely replaced by Universal Credit for working-age renters
If you're working age, you'll usually need to claim the housing element of Universal Credit rather than new Housing Benefit.
Still available past State Pension age
People over State Pension age who need help with rent generally still claim Housing Benefit rather than Universal Credit.
Also available in supported or temporary accommodation
Some people in supported housing, temporary accommodation, or certain care settings can still claim Housing Benefit regardless of age.
Why So Many People Never Even Think About This
Housing Benefit is one of the most-missed parts of the benefit cascade — because it's the fourth link in a chain most people never realise exists. Someone gets Attendance Allowance, later finds out it raised their Pension Credit, and stops there — never checking whether it also unlocked help with rent.
Attendance Allowance
Pension Credit
Council Tax Reduction
Housing Benefit
If you rent your home and receive — or start receiving — Pension Credit, it is always worth checking Housing Benefit too. It doesn't happen automatically, and it's a completely separate claim from Council Tax Reduction, even though both are usually handled by the same local council department.
Could you get more Housing Benefit?
Do you (or anyone in your household) currently receive Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit?
Watch: Housing Benefit Explained
Our video guide to Housing Benefit is on the way — check back soon.
Your Route to Claiming It
Do it yourself, free — apply directly through your local council. No cost, no obligation.
Free charitable help — Citizens Advice and Age UK can also help you apply at no cost.
Let us handle the whole spread — Housing Benefit is one of the four benefits most of our clients end up eligible for once Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit are in place. We check the full picture across all of them, so nothing gets left on the table.
Because eligibility depends heavily on your age and housing situation, the clearest first step is a quick check. Our free Benefits Calculator can help you work out whether Housing Benefit or Universal Credit's housing element is the right route for you.