If you are on a low income and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent, you may be able to get housing benefit.
We assess whether you are eligible and decide how much housing benefit you are entitled to.
We will look at:
your personal and financial circumstances
money you and your partner have coming in – earnings, some benefits, tax credits and occupational pensions.
your savings and any savings your partner has
your circumstances (age, size of family, disability, whether anyone living with you should help with the rent)
the particulars of your home and the rent you pay
is the rent reasonable for your particular home if you rent privately
is your home a reasonable size for you and your family
is the amount of rent reasonable for the area where you live
Housing benefit will not usually be paid if:
you have savings of over £16,000, unless you are aged 60 or over and getting the ‘guarantee credit’ of Pension Credit.
you live with a close relative in their home
you are a full-time student (unless you are disabled or have children)
you are an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK
you do not meet the right to reside or the habitual residence test
Housing benefit will not affect any other benefits you get.
Benefit cap
From April 2013, there will be a benefit cap (a maximum limit) on the total amount of benefit that people can get
Contact us
Book a face-to-face appointment in advance
Housing benefit - tell us about a change in circumstances
Housing benefit decisions, revisions, disputes and appeals
You can also call 020 8583 4242 or email rbappointments@hounslow.gov.uk to book an appointment with a customer service advisor.
Revenues Section
PO Box 355
TW3 4DN
Tel : 020 8583 4242