Housing benefit: How does it work?

Quite a lot of paperwork is involved in claiming housing benefit

Housing benefit is an important means-tested benefit for people on low incomes which helps them to pay their rent.

That can be rent paid to a council, housing association or a private landlord.

The rules are set by the government and the benefit itself is administered by local councils.

The rules changed on 1 April 2011 and there are more changes in the pipeline.

Who is housing benefit aimed at?

How do I know if I am eligible and how is it calculated?

Perhaps it is easier to say who does not get it?

How is it paid?

What are the changes that have caused a political rumpus?