Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit.

Click here to find out about Housing Benefit and if you will need to claim Universal Credit.

If you are under State Pension Credit age Housing Benefit can be backdated if a good reason is shown for the delay in claiming. A good reason must be shown for the whole backdate.

The maximum time a claim can be backdated is one month. This time is from the date that the application for backdating is made.

If you or your partner are over State Pension Credit age you have 3 months to claim Housing Benefit. You do not need to provide a good reason.

Click here to apply for a backdate

If you rent privately, your eligible rent amount is either your Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate or your actual rent, whichever is lower. The LHA rate is based on:

• where you live
• your household size - find out how many bedrooms you’re eligible for