Housing Benefit Decision Notice frequently asked questions
This short video explains how to read and understand your Housing Benefit decision notice.
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Why have I received a Housing Benefit decision notice?
The reason for the decision is shown next to Reason for Calculation on your notice.
If the reason says Annual Uprating, it means your benefit has changed because the Government has reviewed benefit rates and allowances for the new financial year.
You may also receive a decision notice if there has been a change in your circumstances that affects your claim.
How much Housing Benefit will I get?
The amount we will pay is shown on the Benefit payable line of your decision notice.
How much rent do I need to pay?
We cannot tell you how exactly much rent you need to pay. Your landlord is responsible for confirming this.
In most cases, you pay your rent charge minus any Housing Benefit you receive.
For example:
- rent charged by landlord: £500
- Housing Benefit awarded: £200
- amount you need to pay: £300
Your situation may be different if:
- you have rent arrears
- your tenancy agreement uses different payment methods
- your Housing Benefit is paid on a different schedule from your rent
If you are unsure how much rent you should pay, contact your landlord.
What are non-dependant deductions?
A non-dependant is someone aged 18 or over who normally lives with you but is not your tenant, lodger or partner.
Examples include:
- an adult son or daughter
- a parent
- another relative
- a friend.
Housing Benefit rules assume that non-dependants may be able to contribute towards household costs.
Because of this, a fixed deduction may be taken from your Housing Benefit or your Council Tax Reduction may be reduced.
The amount depends on the non-dependant's weekly income before tax.
The deduction applies whether or not the non-dependant actually contributes to the household.
How is my Housing Benefit paid?
Housing Benefit is usually paid directly into a bank account using BACS.
In some circumstances, payment may be made by cheque.
Your decision notice will show how your benefit is being paid.
Who is my Housing Benefit paid to?
If you rent from a private landlord, Housing Benefit is usually paid directly to you.
In some situations, we may pay your benefit directly to your landlord.
If this applies, your decision notice will show:
Direct to [landlord's name]
How often is Housing Benefit paid?
Housing Benefit is paid either:
- every 2 weeks, or
- every 4 weeks
Payments are made in arrears. This means each payment covers the previous 2-week or 4-week period.
What is an applicable amount?
An applicable amount is the minimum weekly income that the Government says you and your family need for basic living costs.
It is used when working out entitlement to Housing Benefit and some other benefits.
Your applicable amount depends on:
- your age
- your personal circumstances
- who lives with you
- whether anyone in your household has a disability
What is disregarded income?
Disregarded income is income that is not included when we calculate your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
This means some types of income may not affect the amount of benefit you receive.