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What is Housing Benefit?
Housing Benefit is paid by local councils to people on low
incomes, to cover part or all of their rent. If you receive Income
Support or Job Seekers Allowance, you will be normally be entitled
to Housing Benefit for all of your rent.
However this may change if you have a non-dependant living with
you. A non-dependant is someone who is over 18 and who lives with
you but is not your partner. They are expected to make a
contribution towards the rent. It's your responsibility to pay any
rent not covered by Housing Benefit.
How do I claim Housing Benefit?
To claim Housing Benefit you must fill in a claim form. You can
get one from your local PCHA office, or from your local council
Housing Benefit office. If you need any help filling in the form,
your Rent Recovery Officer at PCHA will be happy to help. You will
also need to have some proof of identification, your income and
address.
What if I need help with claiming Housing
Benefit?
If you have any problems claiming Housing Benefit, you can get
help from:
- The Housing Benefit office.
- Your Rent Recovery Officer at PCHA.
- A Citizens Advice Bureau.
What will Housing Benefit pay for?
All rents and most service charges are eligible for Housing
Benefit. Things not usually covered by Housing Benefit include
heating costs, TV licenses and nursing care.
What if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, for example, if you start work or
someone leaves your household, you have to tell the Housing Benefit
office as your claim may need reassessed. You are responsible for
any rent arrears that result from a Housing Benefit
overpayment.
General advice - your responsibilities towards Housing
Benefit
- Provide any information requested by the Housing Benefit office
as quickly as possible.
- Tell the Housing Benefit office of any change in your
circumstances.
- Pay any Housing Benefit paid to you into your rent
account.
- Pay any rent or charges not covered by Housing Benefit to
PCHA.
Get an estimate of your Housing Benefit
entitlement
Click here to use the benefits calculator on the City of
Westminster website. The calculator will give you an estimate of
your entitlement.