Apply for Housing Benefit
Find out who can apply for Housing Benefit, apply online and what happens if you claim Universal Credit.
Who can apply?
You can apply for Housing Benefit if you pay rent and are on a low income. This includes if you pay rent to:
- East Renfrewshire Council
- a housing association
- a private landlord
- a hostel
To qualify you must usually live in the property which is your main home.
You or your partner must not have savings of £16,000 or over.
What evidence do I need to submit?
You need to submit evidence for you and your partner within 14 days of submitting your application or we won't be able to process your application.
This includes proof of:
- your identity
- National Insurance (NI) number
- any savings, capital or investments
- any earnings
- bank statements
- any benefits, allowances or pensions
- a private lease or tenancy agreement
You can upload your documents with your application.
How do I apply?
We recommend you read our privacy notice before you apply.
If you don't have a MyEastRen account you can apply at Benefits Online (opens new window). Select the Apply for Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit link under the Apply section to begin your application.
My circumstances have changed
You can report a change of circumstance online - select apply online above then go to the section change of circumstance.
Universal Credit and housing costs
If you claim Universal Credit (UC), you'll no longer claim housing benefit. Instead, you'll claim the housing part of UC.
You can apply for the housing part of UC online when you make your UC application. You need to tick the box to claim help with housing costs to get this payment.
Visit the GOV.UK website to find out more about UC (opens new window).
