You may be able to claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit to help with your housing costs if you:
- are on a low income - whether you are working or on other benefits
- pay rent
- have less than £16,000 in savings, capital and / or shares.
If you're of working age and need to make a claim for benefit to help with your rent, it is likely that you will now need to claim Universal Credit.
You can find out more information about Universal Credit in your account or at www.gov.uk. You can also call 0800 328 5644 or apply online. Remember, even if you claim Universal Credit, you should still contact the local authority in your area to check if you are eligible for any support with your Council Tax.
If you're eligible to claim Universal Credit, you cannot claim Housing Benefit.
If you're of working age but not eligible to claim Universal Credit, or you are over Pension Credit age, and want to apply for Housing Benefit, Wakefield residents can go to the Wakefield Council Benefits page for more information or contact the local authority in your area.
Your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit award may not cover your full rent, and it is it is your responsibility to make sure that your rent is paid to us in full.
How to claim Housing Benefit
Register a claim for Housing Benefit with your local authority online or in person.
Online
The quickest and easiest way to claim. The secure form only asks questions relevant to you, and provides a personalised list of evidence you will need to provide to support your claim.
You'll need to make a claim to your local authority. You can find more information on the government's Housing Benefit pages
If you don’t have access to the internet, free internet access is available at our Hubs or your local library.
In person
Call into your local council office and speak to an advisor. If you need help to fill in the form they can help you.
We provide a Housing Benefit and Council Tax document verification service at our Hubs, this is for our tenants only.
Other help
If you're struggling to pay your ongoing rent and arrears we may be able to help through our Hardship Scheme (see box below).
