In most cases you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead of housing benefit, unless:
- you are of state pension age
- you're in temporary accommodation provided by our Housing Options team or
- you live in supported housing.
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.
How to make a claim
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
What happens after you make a claim
You'll hear about the outcome directly from GOV.UK. You must tell them about any changes to your circumstances.