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Housing benefit

Housing Benefit is a social security benefit paid by the Housing Executive. It helps people on a low income pay their rent and rates. You do not need to be unemployed to receive Housing Benefit.

Who can claim Housing Benefit?

Anyone who has to pay rent or rates for their home can claim. It does not matter if your landlord is:

• the Housing Executive
• a housing association
• a private landlord

You can also claim if you:

• live in a hostel
• live in bed and breakfast accommodation
• are a boarder or lodger

How do I qualify for Housing Benefit?

To qualify for Housing Benefit you must be responsible for paying rent and/or rates for a property that you occupy as your main home. If this is the case, the Housing Executive will then compare your incomes with the amount that the government says you need to live on to decide how much Housing Benefit you may be entitled to.

Read our Housing Benefit Advice section for more information about how to claim.

How do I claim Housing Benefit?

You must complete a claim form which is available from the Housing Executive.

Are there exceptions?

There are some circumstances where you may not qualify for an award of Housing Benefit.

For example, you may not qualify if:

• Your capital exceeds £16,000
• You live with a close relative

Owner Occupiers

If you own your own property and need help with your rates only, you must apply to the Land and Property Services (formerly the RCA), not the Housing Executive.

Landlords

If you would like to find out more about renting your property to someone who receives Housing Benefit, ask the Housing Executive about Advice for Landlords.

Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new rent assessment scheme for tenants who rent accommodation from private landlords. If you rent privately then please visit our section on Local Housing Allowance to find out how to apply and what the current rates are.

Further Information

For further information about Housing Benefit, to check if you are eligble and to obtain an application form for Housing Benefit, contact the Housing Executive.