You don't have to be looking for work to claim Housing Benefit, but you may not get as much as you need to pay your rent.

What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is for people with a low income who have to pay rent. It is paid by your local authority regardless of whether you are available for, or in, full-time work.

You can't usually get Housing Benefit if:

• You have savings of over £16,000
• You live in the home of a close relative
• You're a full-time student (unless you're disabled or have children)
• You're an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK.
• If you live with a partner or civil partner only one of you can get Housing Benefit.

How much of my rent will it cover?

Although Housing Benefit is designed to pay your rent, it may not cover the full amount. If you're single and under 25, you can only get enough housing benefit to pay for the average-priced bedsit in your area or one room in shared accommodation. If the place you stay in costs more you will have to make up the difference yourself. Housing benefit doesn't cover your utility bills (fuel, water etc) either, even if it's included in your rent. However, it could cover charges for some services, such as lifts, communal laundry facilities or play areas. If you start renting a room or property from a private landlord, your Housing Benefit will be calculated with the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rules.

You may receive less than the rent you're charged, as LHA is based on the average rents in your area. If your rent is lower than the LHA you receive, you'll be able to keep the difference, up to a maximum of £15 a week. You'll also have to claim LHA if you started renting before 6th April 2008 and you move house or have a break in your benefit claim

These rules don't apply if you rent from the council or a registered social landlord.

The minimum amount of Housing Benefit that can be paid each week is 50p. If, after your benefit is calculated, you are entitled to less than 50p a week, you will not get any.

Other benefits

Child Benefit is no longer counted as income when working out how much Housing Benefit (or Council Tax Benefit) you can get. Housing Benefit won't affect any other benefits you get.

When do they pay out?

Housing Benefit (and LHA) are paid in arrears, which can make things difficult if your landlord wants you to pay your rent in advance. If you are having problems talk to your local council office. The benefit is usually paid directly into your bank account or rent account, but occasionally it is paid straight to your landlord.

Can I get housing benefit if I'm a student?

Most full-time students cannot claim at any time during their course, including the summer holiday, but there are exceptions. The rules about who can claim are rather complicated, so ask your council for more information.

Alternatively, if you're unsure about whether or not you're entitled to benefit, you should get in touch with a student welfare officer or your local Citizens Advice Bureau(CAB).

How do I claim Housing Benefit?

You can claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (including Second Adult Rebate) with your claim for the following benefits:

• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance

Call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688 - they will send details of your claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit to your local council.

If you aren't claiming other benefits you can get a form from your local council or download one here. In Northern Ireland go to the Housing Executive is responsible for Housing Benefit rather than the local councils.

How long do I have to wait?

It will depend on your local authority. They are required to deal with your claim and pay your Housing Benefit in 14 days, but it often takes longer. If you are renting privately and they do take longer it is your right to have a reasonable amount of money paid until they make the decision. The local authority can only refuse this if you didn't give them sufficient information or it is very clear that you will not be entitled the Housing Benefit.

Upcoming changes to Housing Benefit

In June 2010 the government announced a series of changes to Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance:

• From October 2011, Local Housing Allowance rates will be set at the 30th percentile of local rents (instead of the 50th percentile). 
• Deductions for non-dependants will be uprated in April 2011 on the basis of prices. This will reverse the freeze in these rates since 2001-02. 
• From 2013-14, Local Housing Allowance rates will be uprated in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• From April 2013, housing entitlements for working age people in the social sector will reflect family size. 
• Housing Benefit awards will be reduced to 90% of the initial award after 12 months for claimants receiving Jobseeker's Allowance. This will be introduced in April 2013.
• From April 2011, Housing Benefit claimants with a disability and a non-resident carer will be entitled to funding for an extra bedroom. 
• From April 2011, Local Housing Allowance Rates will be capped at £250 per week for a one bedroom property, £290 per week for a two bedroom property, £340 per week for a three bedroom property and £400 per week for four bedrooms or more. 
• The Government contribution to Discretionary Housing Payments will be increased by £10 million in 2011-12 and £40 million in each year from 2012-13.

Universal Credit and changes to Housing Benefit.

Our benefit system is in the process of having a dramatic makeover.

The government has planned to combine lots of the current benefits, including Housing Benefit, into one personal allowance called Universal Credit. Although the term 'universal' is confusing as it won't replace disability living allowance, Child Benefit, statutory sick pay, maternity pay, or maternity allowance.

The exact figures and policy are still being discussed, and we at TheSite.org will provide you with the gritty detail as and when we get it. But, for now, the legislation isn't going to be proposed as law until 2011, and Universal Credit won't be introduced until 2013.

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Updated: 17/10/2011