Who can claim benefits

You can claim housing benefit as long as you have a rental liability. Some examples of tenancies would be:

• a council tenant renting from the council 
• a private tenant renting from a landlord 
• a housing association tenant renting from a Housing Association
• a boarder whose rent includes meals being provided
• a hostel dweller
• a hotel dweller
• a resident of a mobile home or a riverboat
• renting under a shared ownership agreement

You can claim council tax benefit if you are:

• a home-owner
• liable to pay council tax for a dwelling
• a resident of that dwelling

If you are a tenant and are also liable for council tax your claim will automatically be assessed for both housing and council tax benefit.

If you are finding it difficult to pay your rent or your council tax you should apply for benefit.

Please note:

• you do not have to be unemployed or unable to work
• you can apply if you or your partner are working
• you can apply if you or your partner work full-time
• unless you are in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee you may not be entitled if you have savings or capital of more than £16,000