Housing benefit
If you are on a low income and need help towards paying your rent you may be able to claim Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance. If you are renting your property from a private landlord you can apply for Local Housing Allowance. If you live in council accommodation or social housing you will receive Housing Benefit. Both benefits are paid by local councils. You can normally claim Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance if you are the person - or one of the people - who pays the rent and you are claiming benefits, or you have a low income. However, you may not be able to get it if:
- you have more than £16,000 in savings.
- you are a full time student (except in certain circumstances).
- you pay rent to a friend or relative that you live with (except in certain circumstances).
- you are only allowed to live in the UK on condition that you have 'no recourse to public funds'.
Even if you can get Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance, most young people do not get enough to cover all their rent, so you will probably have to make up the difference from your own money.
If you are an asylum seeker or come from abroad and are not sure about your immigration status it is important to get advice before claiming Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance. Claiming if you are not eligible could affect your right to stay in the country.
