You can claim housing benefit if your savings and capital are worth £16,000 or less, unless you receive the guarantee credit of Pension Credit.  You don't have to be a Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenant to qualify for this benefit.  In certain cases, students can be eligible for Housing Benefit.

When you apply for Housing Benefit you are also assessed for Rate Relief.  This means that if you don't qualify for Housing Benefit or only qualify for partial Housing Benefit, you may still be entitled to some help with your rates through the Rate Relief scheme.

How can I claim?

To request a form, contact your local Northern Ireland Housing Executive (if you rent your home) or Land & Property Services (if you rent your home) or Land & property Services (if you own and occupy your home).  If you are claiming Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance, you will be sent an application pack for Housing Benefit.

If you rent a property from a private landlord (excluding a Registered Housing Assosiation) and there is a shortfall (less than the required amount) between the rent charged and the eligible rent, you may apply to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for a Discretionary Housing Payment.  This can be paid if you need further assistance to meet housing costs.

 Local Housing Allowance

If you're a private tenant renting a property or room from a private landlord and are on a low income, you may be able to claim and receive Local Housing Allowance.  The Local Housing Allowance is used to work out how much Housing Benefit you get.  The amount of Housing Benefit you may get will depend on where you live and who lives with you, and you and your partner's income and savings.  it isn't based on how much rent you pay.

If your rent higher than the Local Housing Allowance, you'll need to make up the difference.  If your rent is lower than the Local Housing Allowance, you will receive the full amount of your rent.

Previously,  claimants could keep the difference up to a maximum of £15 per week, but this has now been stopped.  Existing recipients will be able to keep the difference untill the anniversary of their claim.

Local Housing Allowance rates are based on local rents so they may be different for each area.  Contact your Northern Ireland Housing Executive office for further information.