Who can claim?
Almost anyone on a low income can claim Housing Benefit and/or
Council Tax Benefit.
You can claim:
Housing Benefit if you are responsible for paying rent for where
you live;
- Privately rented accommodation - this includes paying rent to a
private landlord, Housing Association.
- If you are a boarder or sub-tenant but
Council Tax Benefit if you are responsible for paying Council
Tax;
- Boarders and sub-tenants cannot claim Council Tax Benefit
You can claim Housing Benefit if you live in a Hostel (not a
bail hostel) but you cannot claim Council Tax Benefit.
If you have a mortgage you can claim Council Tax Benefit but not
Housing Benefit. Your mortgage costs can be met through Income
Support, Income based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit
(Guarantee part).