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Housing benefit advice

If you are on a low income or receive benefits, you may be entitled to assistance from the local council with paying your rent through Housing Benefit.

12/09/2011

Assistance with paying your rent

You are entitled to Housing Benefit if your income and capital (savings and investment) are below a certain level or if you are claiming any of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker's Allowance

You can obtain a claim form from either your local Council or Richmond Housing Partnership. You will need to return your completed Housing Benefit form directly to your local council.

You are not usually entitled to Housing Benefit if:

  • You have savings of over £16,000 (unless you are aged 60 or over and receive the 'guarantee credit' or Pension Credit as you can claim HB irrespective of the level of your savings)
  • You live in the home of a close relative
  • You are a full time student (unless you are disabled or have children)
  • You are an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK

If you live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, please visit the Borough of Richmond upon Thames website for further information on eligibility and how to claim Housing Benefit.

If you live in the London Borough of Hounslow, please visit London Borough of Hounslow website for further information on eligibility and how to claim Housing Benefit.

These links will provide you with information on backdating your claim and appealing if you are not satisfied with the Council's decision regarding your Housing Benefit claim. You can also work out how much Housing Benefit you may be entitled to by using the on line calculator feature on each council's website. To check your local Council's benefit calculator please use the following links:

Please note you are responsible for applying for Housing Benefit and providing the Council with all of the requested information in support of your claim. Housing Benefit is usually paid every four weeks in arrears either to you or directly to RHP.

If you arrange for Housing Benefit payments to be made directly to you, you will need to ensure these payments are made towards your rent promptly. RHP will request direct payment of Housing Benefit if you are in receipt of Housing Benefit and have over 8 weeks' rent outstanding.

If you are entitled to partial payment of Housing Benefit, you will also need to ensure you pay your outstanding portion of the rent promptly.

What if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change and you receive Housing Benefit, you must notify your local council straight away. This could include:

  • If any of your children leave school or home
  • If anyone moves into or out of your home
  • If your income, or the income of anyone living with you changes
  • If your capital or savings change
  • If your rent changes
  • If you or your partner are going to be away from your home for more than a month
  • If you move

If you are moving home, you can claim Housing Benefit up to 13 weeks (or 17 weeks if you are aged 60 or over) before you move. You will not usually receive any money before you move into your new home.

If you do not promptly advise your council of any changes in your circumstances, you may not be entitled to claim a backdated payment of Housing Benefit within the required timescales.

For further information on benefits and what you may be entitled to, directgov, the official government website provides useful information. To find out more visit www.direct.gov.uk  

For further information regarding Housing Benefit from your local Council, you can use the contact details below:

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames:
Revenues and Benefits
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW1 3BZ
Telephone: 020 8891 7724
Fax: 020 8891 7933/7934
Email: benefits@richmond.gov.uk

London Borough of Hounslow:
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Telephone: 020 8583 4242
Email: rbappointments@hounslow.gov.uk

Additional advice on benefits and grants

Turn 2 us LOGO Turn2us is an independent charity that helps people access the money available to them - through welfare benefits, grants and other help. It's free, accessible website is a comprehensive and invaluable resource that helps you find sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on your particular needs and circumstances.

The website contains a wide range of easy to understand information and advice specifically target to you if you:

  • are on a low income
  • are out of work
  • have children
  • are pregnant
  • are sick or disabled
  • have been bereaved
  •  are a carer

Visit www.turn2us.org.uk for a wealth of useful information.