Who can claim?

Almost anyone on a low income can claim Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit.

You can claim:

Housing Benefit if you are responsible for paying rent for where you live;

Council Tax Benefit if you are responsible for paying Council Tax;

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is available if you live in either:

• Privately rented accommodation - this includes paying rent to a private landlord, Housing Association.
• If you are a boarder or sub-tenant but boarders and sub-tenants cannot claim Council Tax Benefit

You can claim Housing Benefit if you live in a Hostel (not a bail hostel) but you cannot claim Council Tax Benefit.

If you have a mortgage you can claim Council Tax Benefit but not Housing Benefit. Your mortgage costs can be met through Income Support, Income based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit (Guarantee part).