Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a mean tested benefit, designed to help those on low incomes with their rent. The amount of benefit you receive depends on your personal circumstances.

Who can claim?

You may be eligible for Housing Benefit if you are,

(a) liable to pay rent (e.g. renting from a landlord or Housing Association or under shared ownership or resident of a mobile home) where you are living in the UK

(b) living there as your normal home

(c) Have savings of less than £16000. (except Pensioners on Pension Guarantee Credit)

If you think you may qualify, you should apply as soon as possible because Benefit is normally paid from Monday following the date we receive the application form.

Application forms are available from the benefit section (telephone no 01252 774444) or at the council offices. You can also download an application form.

You can also visit the DWP - Housing Benefits page for further information

• If you wish to claim Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support - Please contact the Department of Work and Pensions, through your nearest Job Centre Plus Office on : 0800 00556688.
• If you are 60 years of age or over - Please contact the Pension Service regarding the New Pension Credits which came into effect from 6th October 2003. The Pension Credit hotline operated by the Government's Pension service is Tel: 0845 6060265.

If in any doubt, please contact Hart District Council - Benefits Team on

Tel: 01252 774444

Opening hours:

8.30am - 5pm (Monday - Thursday)
8.30am - 4.30pm (Friday)

Who cannot claim Housing Benefit?

• if you not responsible for paying rent
• if you or your partner have more than £16000 in savings (unless you get Guarantee Pension Credit)
• if you reside with your landlord/landlady and he or she is a close relative
• most full time students (exception to this rule are single parents,disabled students or people in receipt of Income Support/ Job Seekers Allowance(income based)
• If you have recently come from abroad, you will normally be required to prove that you have the right to stay in this country. You will also have to satisfy the "Habitual Residency Test" before we can pay you any benefit.
• if you live in a care home eg nursing home
• if you live in the house as part of your job
• if you or your partner is responsible for your landlord's child

Overpayments:

You can pay Housing Benefits Overpayments online using our Online Payments service.