How we work out your Housing Benefit

A guide to how we work out your Housing Benefit.

Contents

The applicable amount

Each year the government gives us figures showing the amount of money people should have to meet their basic needs. This is called the applicable amount.

These figures vary depending on your circumstances. 

How the applicable amount is worked out

The applicable amount is made up of:

  • an amount for you and your partner – your personal allowance
  • an amount for any dependent children – your children's personal allowance, maximum of 2
  • an amount for you, your partner or your dependant if in receipt of a disability or carers benefit

If your income exceeds the applicable amount

If your income goes over your applicable amount, we will deduct your benefits.

For every extra £1 you have, you will:

  • lose 65p from your Housing Benefit

We will not work out your applicable amount if you receive any of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income support
  • Job Seekers Allowance (income based)
  • Employment Support (income related)
  • Guaranteed Pension Credit