How is Benefit Calculated?

Housing Benefit is calculated by comparing your weekly income with your weekly applicable amount (the amount set by the government and is the minimum amount you need to live on).

If your income is less than or same as your applicable amount we will pay maximum benefit less any non dependant deduction.

If your income is more than your applicable amount we take off 65% of the excess income (the difference between your income and applicable amount). The minimum Housing Benefit payable is 50p.

The applicable amount differs from person to person. It depends on your age, household etc. The details of how your applicable amount is calculated are shown on the decision letter we send you.