Claiming Housing Benefit after 22 February 2017
From 22 February 2017, you cannot make a new claim to Housing Benefit (HB) unless you meet one of the following condition
- If you are a resident in supported exempt accommodation or you have been placed in temporary accommodation by Southampton City Council's Homelessness team you must inform Universal Credit of this and make a claim for Housing Benefit with Southampton City Council
From 15 May 2019 you can claim Housing Benefit if
- You and your partner have reached State Pension age
- One of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Housing Benefit or Pension Credit (for you as a couple) before 15 May 2019
If you are still not eligible to claim HB you can apply for UC instead.
If you already get HB and you are in a couple
You’ll continue to get Housing Benefit after 15 May 2019. If your entitlement stops for any reason, for example your circumstances change, you cannot start getting it again until you (or your partner) are eligible under the new rules.
If you already get Housing Benefit are State Pension age and you’re single
From 15 May 2019, you’ll stop getting Housing Benefit if you start living with a partner who is under State Pension age. You can start getting it again when your partner reaches State Pension age.
If you have made a claim for Pension Credit or a claim for Universal Credit because you are in supported accommodation or you are one of the groups who can still claim Housing Benefit after 22 February 2017, you will be invited to claim Housing Benefit.
If you have to pay rent and/or council tax you can make a claim for both below.
Make a claim for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
If you are no longer able to claim Housing benefit but you still have to pay Council Tax, you cannot apply for Council Tax Reduction at Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service. Make a separate claim below, directly with us.
