Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance Entitlement
People on low incomes can be entitled to receive Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance to help them pay their rent.
If you rent from a housing association or housing co-operative you may be eligible for Housing Benefit. If you rent from a private landlord you may be eligible for the Local Housing Allowance.
It is important, however, to remember that there is no automatic entitlement. Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance will only be paid to someone who has gone through the application process and satisfies the legal requirements for the payment of benefit.
The level of Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance awarded may also not pay the rent in full.
The entitlement to Housing Benefit depends on who is living in the property, the property type their income, and any savings they may have.
The entitlement for Local Housing Allowance depends on who is living in the property, their income, and any savings they may have.
If you are expecting to rely on Housing Benefit to make a privately rented property affordable, you are strongly advised to get advice on your eligibility for benefit and the most up to date information on the level of the Local Housing Allowance, before committing to a particular property.
Single and under 25?
There are restrictions on Local Housing Allowance for single people under 25 years old. This is known as the Single Room Rent and only applies to those renting private accommodation.
Further information and details of how to apply can be found in the Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance sections.
Further information
Direct.Gov information on Housing Benefit
Direct.Gov information on Local Housing Allowance