Introduction to Help with Housing
Finding the right support with housing costs can make a real difference if you’re struggling to afford your home. Help with housing refers to the financial assistance and benefits available to people in the UK to help pay for rent, mortgage interest, or other housing-related expenses. This support is especially important for those on a low income, facing unemployment, or dealing with unexpected changes in their circumstances.
There are several types of financial help available. The main government benefits include Housing Benefit, which helps people on a low income with their rent, and Universal Credit, a wider benefit that also includes support for housing costs. These benefits are governed by rules set out in laws such as the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 and the Universal Credit Regulations 2013. Whether you rent privately, from a council, or are a homeowner struggling with mortgage interest, there may be support available to help you secure and maintain suitable housing.
This page provides an overview of the main options and points you to more detailed advice on applying for help with rent, council tax, and other housing costs. You’ll also find links to related topics, such as home improvement grants and support for mortgage interest. For a broader look at the different types of benefits you may be entitled to, you can explore our main benefits section.
Types of Financial Support for Housing Costs
When it comes to getting help with housing costs in the UK, there are several types of financial support available, each with its own eligibility rules and application process. The main forms of assistance include Housing Benefit, support through Universal Credit, Council Tax support, and discretionary payments for those facing extra difficulties.
Housing Benefit is designed to help people on a low income pay their rent. It is generally available to those who are not eligible for Universal Credit, such as pensioners or people living in certain types of supported or temporary accommodation. To find out if you qualify and how to apply, see Help with your Housing Benefit claim – Citizens Advice.
For most working-age people, help with rent is now included as part of Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a single monthly payment that replaces several older benefits and includes support for housing costs if you rent your home. You can learn more about how to apply and what to expect from the process by visiting Applying for Universal Credit – Citizens Advice.
In addition to these main benefits, you might be able to get help with your Council Tax bill through local Council Tax Reduction schemes. If you are struggling to meet your rent, you may also be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local council, especially if your benefits do not cover all your housing costs.
Eligibility for these types of support depends on your income, savings, household circumstances, and sometimes the type of property you live in. For a broader understanding of how these fit into the wider benefits system, explore our related pages.
If you think you might be eligible for any of these forms of help, it’s important to apply as soon as possible, as some payments cannot be backdated. Guidance on how to apply is available through the resources linked above, and your local council or Citizens Advice can also offer support.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is a government payment designed to help people on a low income pay their rent. It is available to those who are renting from a local council, housing association, or private landlord. You may qualify if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits, but you usually cannot claim Housing Benefit if you are already receiving Universal Credit (which now covers most new claims for help with housing costs).
Housing Benefit is means-tested, which means the amount you receive depends on your income, savings, household size, and rent amount. It is paid either directly to your landlord or to you, helping to make your rent more affordable.
To apply for Housing Benefit, you typically need to contact your local council. You will be asked to provide documents such as proof of identity, evidence of income and savings, your tenancy agreement, and details about your household. The application process can usually be started online or by visiting your local council office.
There are limits to how much Housing Benefit you can receive. These limits depend on your circumstances, such as your age, who lives with you, and the type of property you rent. Certain conditions also apply, for example, the benefit may be reduced if you have spare bedrooms (known as the ‘bedroom tax’) or if your income is above a certain threshold.
For more detailed information on eligibility and rules, you can read the official Housing Benefit Regulations 2006, which outline the legal framework for Housing Benefit in the UK.
Universal Credit and Housing Costs
Universal Credit is a benefit designed to help with living costs, and it can include support for your housing expenses, such as rent. If you’re eligible, your Universal Credit payment may include a housing costs element, which is paid monthly and is intended to help you cover your rent or certain service charges.
When you apply for Universal Credit, you’ll be asked for details about your housing situation. Be ready to provide information about your tenancy, rent amount, and your landlord’s details. This information ensures that your housing support is calculated correctly and included in your Universal Credit claim from the start.
It’s important to know that Universal Credit is gradually replacing Housing Benefit for most working-age people. While Housing Benefit is still available in some cases (for example, for people of pension age or those living in certain types of accommodation), most new claims for help with rent are made through Universal Credit instead. You can find out more about how Universal Credit works and who can claim on our Universal Credit page.
The rules for Universal Credit, including how housing costs are handled, are set out in the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014. These regulations explain how the transition from older benefits like Housing Benefit to Universal Credit is managed.
If your circumstances change (for example, if your rent changes, you move home, or someone moves in or out of your household), it’s essential to report these changes as soon as possible. Keeping your information up to date helps make sure you receive the right amount of support for your housing costs.
Other Housing-Related Financial Support
Other Housing-Related Financial Support
Alongside help with rent, there are other forms of financial support that can make housing costs more manageable. One key area is help with council tax. If you’re on a low income or claim certain benefits, you may be eligible for a reduction on your council tax bill through the Council Tax Reduction scheme. Each local council runs its own scheme under the Local Government Finance Act 2012, so the amount of support and the rules can vary depending on where you live.
If you’re already receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but are still struggling to cover your rent, you might be able to get extra help through Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs). These are short-term payments provided by your local council under the Discretionary Financial Assistance Regulations 2001. DHPs are designed to help people facing particular hardship, such as a sudden loss of income or unexpected expenses.
Many councils also offer additional local support, such as emergency grants or schemes to help with moving costs, furniture, or essential repairs. The availability and criteria for this support depend on your local authority, so it’s worth checking what’s on offer in your area.
To find out more about these options and how to apply, contact your local council directly. They can provide information on eligibility, the application process, and any supporting documents you’ll need.
Applying for Help with Housing Costs
When applying for help with housing costs, it’s important to follow a few clear steps to make sure your application goes smoothly. Most people needing support with rent will apply for either Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit, depending on their circumstances. You can usually apply online or through your local council or housing association.
Start by gathering all the information you’ll need, such as proof of income, tenancy agreements, and identification documents. Providing accurate and up-to-date details is essential – mistakes or missing paperwork can delay your claim or lead to incorrect payments.
After you submit your application, you may be asked for further evidence. Respond promptly to any requests from your local council or housing association, as they are responsible for processing most housing support applications and can offer guidance if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
If your application is refused or delayed, don’t panic. You have the right to ask for a review or appeal the decision. It’s a good idea to keep copies of all correspondence and decisions in case you need to challenge the outcome.
Finally, to make sure you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to, it’s worth taking a moment to check what benefits you can get. This can help you identify other forms of assistance you may be eligible for, such as help with council tax or support for mortgage interest.
Additional Housing Support Options
If you need extra help beyond benefits like Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, there are several other forms of housing support available in the UK. These options can help you improve your living situation, keep your home safe, or manage mortgage payments if you’re struggling.
For those who need to make their homes safer or more suitable – perhaps due to disability, age, or essential repairs – there are home improvement grants available. These grants are usually provided by local councils and can help cover the cost of adaptations or urgent repairs, following rules set out in the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
Homeowners who are finding it difficult to keep up with their mortgage payments may be able to get help through Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). SMI is a government scheme that can help pay the interest on your mortgage or certain home improvement loans, under specific eligibility criteria.
If you’re facing housing issues such as the threat of eviction, unsafe living conditions, or need advice about your rights, there are free and confidential advice services available. For a broader overview of the different types of housing assistance you might be able to access, you can explore further guidance and support options.
Home Improvement Grants
Home improvement grants are a form of financial support designed to help people repair, adapt, or improve their homes – especially when they cannot afford to pay for the work themselves. These grants are often available to homeowners or tenants who are elderly, disabled, or on a low income. Common types of grants can cover essential repairs, making a home safer or more accessible, or improving energy efficiency to reduce bills.
Eligibility for these grants usually depends on your income, savings, and specific needs. Local councils often administer the schemes, following legal frameworks such as the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. The application process typically involves an assessment of your circumstances and may require supporting documents.
If you want to learn more about the types of support available, who can apply, and how to start your application, visit our dedicated page on home improvement grants for full details.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
If you’re a homeowner struggling with mortgage payments due to financial difficulties, you may be able to get help through Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). SMI is a government-backed scheme that can help pay the interest on your mortgage or certain home improvement loans if you’re receiving income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit. This support is provided as a loan, which you’ll need to repay with interest when you sell or transfer ownership of your home.
SMI can help reduce the risk of mortgage arrears and potential repossession by covering the interest portion of your payments, but it won’t pay off the mortgage itself or cover missed payments. Eligibility rules and the application process are set out in government regulations, and there are conditions you’ll need to meet.
To find out more about how SMI works, who qualifies, and how to apply, visit our dedicated page on Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).
For further guidance, you can also read the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme overview from Age UK.
Related Financial Support Benefits
If you’re looking for help with housing costs, there are several other financial support benefits you may be entitled to alongside Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. These benefits can provide extra help depending on your circumstances and can often be claimed at the same time as housing-related support.
For families, Help if You Have Children offers guidance on benefits that can ease the cost of raising children, which may include additional support with rent or council tax. If you are over State Pension age, Pension Credit can top up your income and may entitle you to extra help with housing costs.
People with disabilities or long-term health conditions should consider Disability Benefits, which can increase your overall financial support and sometimes provide specific help with housing adaptations or care needs. If you care for someone, Carer’s Allowance offers financial support which can make managing housing costs easier.
Older people who need help with personal care may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, which can be used towards extra housing or care expenses. If you’re dealing with bereavement, Bereavement Benefits can provide financial support during a difficult time, helping you to meet ongoing housing costs.
If you’re in work or looking for employment, Employment Benefits may help top up your income and support you while you pay your rent or mortgage.
Exploring these benefits can help you maximise your financial assistance and make it easier to manage your housing costs. Each benefit has its own eligibility criteria, often set by government regulations such as the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and related statutory guidance, so it’s worth checking which ones apply to your situation.
