Applying for Housing Benefit

It is your responsibility to claim any Housing Benefit that you may be entitled to.

If you are receiving welfare benefits or are on a low income, you may be entitled to receive Housing Benefit. If so, this benefit will be paid direct to your rent account.

If you want to apply for Housing Benefit, it is important that you fill in the form that we gave you when you signed your tenancy agreement and return it to us as quickly as possible. I

f you do not return the form, you will be responsible for paying the full rent for your home. You will also have to provide proof of your income, your identity and where you are living.

To find out more about applying for Housing Benefit, go to the pages on new Housing Benefits claims.

You can also get an instant online benefits estimate.

You can also download a claim form to fill in.

You also need to know the essential documents checklist.

You will need to tell the Housing Benefit Section, in writing, of any changes to your family or financial circumstances.

You are also responsible for telling them about any changes in the income of anyone else in your household aged over 16.

If you do not return the form, tell the Housing Benefit Section about any changes or provide all proof we ask for, you may have to pay the full rent for your home.

If you need help with the form or have any questions about Housing Benefit, you can visit a Local Service Centre or call our Contact Centre on 020 8430 2000.

Housing Benefit does not cover heating, hot water, water and sewerage charges so it is important that you keep paying them, even if you are waiting for Housing Benefit to be awarded.