How we use your benefit claim personal information
If you make a claim for housing benefit, council tax support or a discretionary housing payment, we might use the information held on you for other benefit-related services.
How to claim Universal Credit, the documents you need, and what happens after you apply.
In most cases you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead of housing benefit, unless:
If you live in supported housing, your landlord must be a housing association, a registered charity, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, an English non-metropolitan county council, a local authority hostel or a domestic violence refuge.
They will let you know if you need to apply for housing benefit and can help with your application.
You need to apply for Universal Credit online at GOV.UK. You can create an account with them to make your claim. If you live with your partner, you will both need to create accounts which will be linked together. You cannot claim by yourself.
When you start a claim you must complete it within 28 days of creating your account or you'll have to start again.
You can see what documents you need before making a claim.
Make a claim for Universal Credit
You'll hear about the outcome directly from GOV.UK. You must tell them about any changes to your circumstances.