Help with rent and benefits

If you receive benefits, your rent may be paid partly or fully through Universal Credit. This includes money to help with housing costs, which is usually paid monthly.

The amount of help you receive can affect which homes are affordable for you. Some rules limit how much rent support you can get, depending on things like your household size, age, or whether you rent privately or from a housing association.

For example, single people under 35 who rent privately may only receive enough help to cover a room in shared housing. People living in social housing may receive less help if they have more bedrooms than they need.

If you are struggling to pay your rent, it is important to get help early. Speak to your landlord as soon as possible and contact HOST for advice and support. You can also get independent help from Citizens Advice.