Housing benefit explained

Housing benefit

Housing benefit can make a significant contribution towards your rent.

• Apply for benefits: How to make a new online housing benefit claim

You can claim housing benefit if you pay rent to the council, housing association or a private landlord.

You cannot claim housing benefit if you live with, or have to pay rent to a close relative such as a parent, step-parent, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter or their partners.

Each housing benefit claim is different. Your entitlement is based upon:

• the rent you pay
• your income including any other benefits you receive
• any savings you may have
• personal and family circumstances
• any spare bedrooms in your home

• Use the online benefit calculator to get an an indication of how much support you may receive.

If you rent from a private landlord, your benefit will be calculated using the local housing allowance 

Council tax reduction

• Council tax reduction: find out if you are eligible

The application process is the same for housing benefit and council tax reduction..

If your circumstances change

If you make or have already made a claim for housing benefit or council tax reduction, you must let us know if any of the information included in your claim has changed: for example, your earnings have change or you’ve moved home.

• See: Benefits: if your circumstances change to read more and find out how to tell us

Child care benefits

• Free childcare for 2 year olds - free childcare places are offered to all eligible families who live in Buckinghamshire and have a 2 year old child.

Contact information

• Web form: Benefits enquiries

• Telephone: 01494 412 227