Housing benefit

Find out more about housing benefit, including how to apply online.

From 24 October 2018, all working age claimants, in Guildford Borough, with up to two children making a new claim, had to apply for Universal Credit to help with rental costs, instead of Housing Benefit.

From 1 February 2019, households with three or more children, making a new claim, had to apply for Universal Credit to help with rental costs, instead of Housing Benefit.

You can still make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you fall into one of the following categories:

You are aged less than 18
You or your partner have reached State Pension age. From 15 May 2019, changes to entitlement conditions will be changing for mixed age couples i.e. working age and pension age
You live in supported or temporary accommodation
From 16 January 2019, if your existing legacy benefit (Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance Income Based, Employment and Support Allowance Income Related or Housing Benefit) includes a Severe Disability Premium

If you fall into one of the above categories, you can find out whether you qualify for housing benefits using the benefits calculator. If you think you might qualify, you can complete your claim using the online claim form.

Find out more information on housing benefit on the GOV.UK website.

Find out about Local Housing Allowance.

Please make sure you tell the Benefit department in writing of any change in circumstance that may affect your benefits.

Housing benefits - frequently asked questions

The following information relates to any new customers who fall into one of the categories detailed above.

What is housing benefit?

Housing Benefit is to help with rental costs for those on a low income.

Who can claim housing benefit?

Anyone who falls into one of the categories detailed earlier and has to pay rent can claim housing benefit. Read more >

When and how do I claim housing benefit?

Claim housing benefit as soon as you think you need help with your rent. Read more >

How do we work out housing benefits?

To work out your benefit, we must compare the money you have coming in each week with the money the government says you need to live on. Read more >

What if I disagree with the way the council works out my benefit? Can I appeal?

What to do if you think the decision about your housing benefit or Local Council Tax Support is wrong. Read more >

How do we pay housing benefit?

Council Tenants get a rent rebate. This means the benefit awarded is paid direct to their rent account. If their benefit changes, the amount of rent they pay changes as well. Read more >

Will other adults living in my home affect my housing benefit?

Other adults are people aged 18 years or more who live in your home. They are usually grown-up children or other relatives living with you, but they could also be friends. Your partner (if you have one) is not treated as an 'other adult'. People living in your home and paying you rent, such as boarders or subtenants, do not usually count as other adults. Read more >

Can I claim benefit on two homes when moving?

Housing benefit is normally only paid on one home. However in certain cases it can be paid on two homes. Read more >

How is benefit fraud investigated?

The Government's Single Fraud Investigation Service is now responsible. Read more >

What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?

If you are in receipt of housing benefit and are struggling financially, you may be able to get some additional help. Read more >

What local bank information and proof of identification is required?

The table below gives general guidance only to 'basic bank accounts' that are currently available and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative guide to available accounts and acceptable identification. Read more >

What is Welfare Reform?

In 2013-14 there were several national and local welfare reform changes which may affect you now, or in the future. Read more >

Can I get any other financial help?

Local Council Tax Support is paid to people on low income who are liable for the council tax. Read more >

Important information for new housing association and council tenants under the age of 35 on 1 April 2020

If you qualify for help towards meeting the cost of your rent through Housing Benefit (or the housing element of Universal Credit) you need to be aware that from 1 April 2020, the way this benefit is calculated will be changing. Read more >