Housing benefit if you are on low income

Housing benefit is a benefit to help you pay your rent if you are on a low income. You must live in the property you pay rent for. Not all rental liability is covered by housing benefit.

There are two types of housing benefit:

  • Rent allowance
  • Rent rebate

Rent allowance

If you pay rent to a private landlord or a housing association and you are on a low income, you can apply for rent allowance. Depending on your income and circumstances, we can pay up to 100% of your rent less any charges such as fuel costs.

Rent rebate

If you are a Council tenant and on a low income, you can apply for a rent rebate. Depending on your income and circumstances, we can credit up to 100% of your rent to your rent account.