Housing benefit

You will no longer be able to claim Housing Benefit unless:

• You live in temporary/specified accommodation
  (for example, accommodation provided by our homeless department or where care, support and/or supervision is provided by, or on behalf of, your landlord)
• You are of Pension Credit age
  (if you are a couple then at least one of you must be of Pension Credit age and this person must be the applicant)
• You have three or more children

You will need to apply for Universal Credit for help with your rent if you do not meet any of these criteria.

Eligibility

Check if you're eligible for benefits

You may be able to get help if:

• you are the person responsible for paying the rent on a low income
• you have savings of less than £16,000
• you are receiving income support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credits
• you are a student with special circumstances

Apply for housing benefit

Apply for housing benefit online

(can't apply online using mobile devices)

You'll need to provide information on:

• your identity
• any income you receive
• any savings you have
• your national insurance number
• the same information for a partner
• details of anyone else living in your house

You can also call 030 33 33 3006 or visit a Customer Service Centre  to apply.

What happens next

We aim to deal with applications within 14 days of receiving all relevant information.

We'll backdate payments to the Monday after you applied if you're successful.

Unhappy with our decision

We have a review process for housing benefit applicants who are not happy with the decision about their application.

• Find out more about requesting a review

Tell us about a change

You should always let us know if your address or circumstances change for any reason.

Report a change of address

Report another change of circumstances

You can also:

• Call 030 33 33 3006
• Visit one of our Customer Service Centres
• Write to Benefits, Carruthers House, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2HP

Other support

Depending on your situation you may also find help and support from other services. You can find out who might help you locally by using find my nearest and choosing Housing Support Outreach Services.