- if you are single in private rented housing and under the age of 35, the maximum housing benefit you can get is the rate for renting a single room in a shared house. This applies even if you rent a self-contained flat.
- some students can claim housing benefit;.
- housing benefit can pay all or part of your rent, depending on your circumstances. It doesn't pay for bills, such as heating, electricity or food.
How much housing benefit am I entitled to?
How much housing benefit you get depends on your circumstances, including:
- how much money you have coming in
- the amount of any savings
- if you have children
- if you are disabled
- who else lives in your home
- the amount of rent charged
Click on the button below to launch the benefits and budgeting calculator.
Find out what benefits you can claim
Income and savings
We take into account your earnings and any other income of you and your partner, if you have one.
Earnings include:
- income after tax, national insurance contributions and half of anything you pay into a pension
- business profits after allowable expenses have been deducted if you're self-employed
Other income includes any other money coming in such as:
- pensions
- benefits (not including Child Benefit or some disability benefits)
- savings - over £6,000 if you're working age, £10,000 if you're pension age
We also take into account capital, such as any property you own.
What is the maximum amount I could receive?
The maximum amount of housing benefit we can pay is based on your 'eligible rent'.
Eligible rent means the reasonable rent for a suitable property in your area. If you're renting from a private landlord this will depend on your local housing allowance; (LHA).
GOV.UK has more information about, housing benefit including links to calculators for benefits and LHA.