Help with your rent

If you are claiming after 7th April 2008, and rent your property from a private landlord, most claims will fall under the new Local Housing Allowance Scheme. For further information please see 'Local Housing Allowance' .

This information is only a general guide, and is not a full and authoritative statement of the law. Contact us for more information.

What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is help towards rent for people on low income. It is paid by Thanet District Council.

Who can claim Housing Benefit?

• Anyone who has to pay rent for their home can claim.
• If your landlord is the Council, a housing association, a private individual or company, you can still claim.
• Boarders, lodgers, and people in hostels and bed & breakfast accommodation can also claim.
• You do not have to be out of work to claim.

However, you will not normally receive Housing Benefit if you are living with a close relative and paying them rent.

Check to see if you will qualify on our Benefits Calculator

• Get a benefits application form (PDF)

Who can’t claim Housing Benefit?

You can’t claim Housing Benefit if you:

• Are not the householder
• Have more than £16,000 in capital (unless you receive guaranteed pension credit)
• Are excluded from receiving public funds, due to your status in the UK
• Are a full-time student – unless you are also one of the following:
•  a lone parent
•  a disabled person
•  under 19 years-old and following a further education
   course
•  aged 60 or more

What can’t I claim Housing Benefit for?

You cannot claim help towards things like mortgage costs, meals, fuel charges, washing, and nursing care.

• How can I claim Housing Benefit?

How is Housing Benefit paid?

If you are a private tenant, we will normally pay your benefit directly into your bank account every 2 weeks. Council tenants have their Housing Benefit paid direct to their rent account.

Will I get all my rent paid?

If you rent from a private Landlord the maximum Housing Benefit payable may not be your full rental charge.

Claims received before 7 April 2008, or where rent includes support or substantial board are sent to the Valuation Office Agency who decides the maximum Housing Benefit payable.

Claims received on or after 7 April 2008 are subject to the Local Housing Allowance rate for the month that their claim is made.

Your Housing Benefit entitlement is calculated based on your household make up, income and capital, your benefit may be reduced if you have a non-dependant living with you. See also Changes to non-dependant deductions.

What if?

• I’m under 35 years-old and single with no dependants, will I get Housing Benefit?
• Can my claim be backdated?
• If I am overpaid benefit, will I have to pay it back?
• Unhappy with the final decision?

E-mail:

Benefits@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577552

from 9am to 5.30pm. 

Fax: 01843 577532

or Visit our offices