Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit that helps tenants on low incomes pay their rent. While newer claimants are usually directed to Universal Credit for housing costs, Housing Benefit remains important for certain groups including pensioners, people in temporary or supported accommodation, and those living in specified accommodation. Understanding Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates is essential, as these determine the maximum Housing Benefit you can receive and they are updated annually. Many people entitled to Housing Benefit do not claim it, leaving them out of pocket unnecessarily. Our Universal Credit guide covers the alternative route for most working-age claimants.
Who Can Still Claim Housing Benefit in 2026
Since the managed migration to Universal Credit, most working-age people now apply for housing costs through Universal Credit rather than Housing Benefit. However, Housing Benefit is still available for: pensioners (those who have reached State Pension age, who are typically directed to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit rather than Universal Credit), people in specified accommodation (such as hostels, refuges, or supported housing where care costs are provided), and people in temporary accommodation arranged by their local council. If you are a working-age tenant in private rented housing, you will generally make a claim for Universal Credit housing costs rather than Housing Benefit. Check your eligibility carefully, as the rules differ significantly between these two routes.
Local Housing Allowance Rates Explained
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates determine the maximum amount of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element you can receive based on where you live and the number of bedrooms you are entitled to. LHA rates are set annually and are based on the 30th percentile of local private rental prices. For 2026-27, LHA rates vary by region and household size. Single people under 35 are typically limited to the shared accommodation rate, which is significantly lower than rates for larger households. Your Housing Benefit is calculated as your eligible rent minus any deduction for non-dependents living with you, minus the amount you are expected to contribute based on your income. Use the Gov.uk LHA checker to find the rate for your area.
- Single under 35: typically limited to shared accommodation rate
- LHA rates set at 30th percentile of local private rents
- Rates vary significantly between regions and household sizes
How to Claim Housing Benefit
To claim Housing Benefit, contact your local council's housing benefit department — you can find them through Gov.uk. You will need your National Insurance number, tenancy agreement showing rent amount, proof of identity, and details of your income and savings. For pensioners, you may be eligible for automatic entitlement if you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit — in this case, your council may pay Housing Benefit automatically. For people in specified accommodation, your support worker or housing provider can assist with the claim. If your claim is successful, payments are usually made directly to your landlord unless you request otherwise. If your rent exceeds the LHA rate, you are responsible for the shortfall.
- housing benefit
- benefits
- rent
- local housing allowance
- low income