What Is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is a means tested social security benefit in the United Kingdom that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation. It is the second biggest item in the Department for Work and Pensions' budget after the state pension, totalling £23.8 billion in 2013–14.

How is housing benefit paid?

Housing Benefit is usually paid into your bank account and it is your responsibility to pay your rent to your landlord. If your rent is more than your Housing Benefit, you will have to make up the difference. This means that you will need to open a bank account if you don't have one already.

What is average housing benefit?

How much does housing benefit cost? The amount paid varies by tenure and geographic region: the overall average is £95.77 a week. The lowest sum paid on average is to people in local authority homes – £82.76 a week, compared with private tenants, paid on average £110.34 a week.