Most people of working age will claim for help with their housing costs as part of a claim for Universal Credit (UC). For more details, see our Universal Credit page.
UC is a new simpler single monthly payment for people of working age in or out of work and will replace:
There are a few exceptions to people who will claim help with housing costs through Universal Credit, and who will claim Housing Benefit instead to have their housing costs paid by the local authority. If the answer to any of the following questions is yes, then your tenant will need to claim housing benefit not Universal Credit:
If your tenant is on a low income, then they may be able to claim Housing benefit (if they meet one of the above criteria), and council tax support to help pay their rent and council tax. To apply, your tenant must complete an application form, which they can do online by visiting the Claiming housing benefit and/or council tax support page.
Housing benefit and council tax support are means tested and several factors are considered when deciding whether and how much they will receive:
Certain tenants are not entitled to housing benefit and council tax support, for example
Housing benefit is only payable for the 'eligible rent'. This includes:
The following charges will not be eligible for housing benefit and should not be included in the rent.
Benefits Team
If you have an enquiry about benefits, send a message to the Benefits Team
Receive information on council services, news and events by email.
Subscribe© 2025 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council