Can I Get Housing Benefit on State Pension

Find out if you can claim Housing Benefit while receiving the State Pension. Learn who qualifies and how to apply for housing support as a pensioner.

Can I Get Housing Benefit on State Pension?

If you are receiving the State Pension and struggling to cover your rent, you may be wondering whether you can claim Housing Benefit. The good news is that many pensioners are still eligible for this support, depending on their income, savings, and living situation.

This article explains who can get Housing Benefit while on the State Pension, how it works, and what to do if you need help with housing costs.

What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit that helps people with low incomes pay their rent. It is designed for those living in rented accommodation, and it is usually paid directly to the landlord or credited to your rent account.

While Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit for working-age people, it is still available to pensioners in certain circumstances.

Can I claim Housing Benefit if I am on the State Pension?

Yes, you can claim Housing Benefit if:

  • You are over State Pension age

  • You are on a low income, including if your main income is from the State Pension

  • You have less than £16,000 in savings, unless you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

  • You live in rented accommodation

You do not qualify if you live with and pay rent to a close relative, live in most types of supported housing, or own your home (though you may be eligible for other help).

What if I already get Pension Credit?

If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you are usually entitled to the maximum amount of Housing Benefit. This makes applying much easier and increases your chances of getting full support with your rent.

If you only get Pension Credit Savings Credit, your Housing Benefit will still be assessed based on your income and savings.

What if I live with someone else?

If you live with a partner and you are both over State Pension age, you will be assessed as a couple for Housing Benefit.

However, if one of you is under State Pension age, you will usually need to apply for Universal Credit instead, even if the other person is of pension age. This is due to recent changes in the benefit system for mixed-age couples.

How is Housing Benefit calculated?

The amount you get depends on several factors:

  • Your income, including State Pension, private pensions, and any other benefits

  • Your savings and capital

  • Your rent amount and local housing allowance rate

  • Your household, including whether others live with you

If you have a spare bedroom in social housing, your Housing Benefit may be reduced under the under-occupancy rules, often called the bedroom tax. This does not usually apply to pensioners.

Can I get help with Council Tax?

Yes. If you are on a low income and receive the State Pension, you may also be eligible for Council Tax Reduction. This is a separate benefit but often applied for at the same time as Housing Benefit.

Each local authority sets its own rules, so the amount of help can vary depending on where you live.

How do I apply for Housing Benefit?

To apply for Housing Benefit:

  1. Contact your local council — Applications are handled by your local authority

  2. Provide details of your income, savings, rent, and household

  3. Submit supporting documents — such as bank statements, benefit letters, and tenancy agreement

If you already claim Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, the Pension Service may pass your information directly to your local council for a Housing Benefit assessment.

You can find your local council using www.gov.uk/find-local-council

How is Housing Benefit paid?

If your claim is approved:

  • Housing Benefit is usually paid directly to your landlord

  • In some cases, you may receive it into your bank account

  • Payments are usually made every two or four weeks

Your award letter will explain how much you will receive and when it will be paid.

Final thoughts

Yes, you can get Housing Benefit while on the State Pension, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. If your income is low and you rent your home, Housing Benefit can provide valuable help with housing costs.

To make the most of your entitlement, check whether you also qualify for Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction. If in doubt, contact your local council or use free advice services such as Citizens Advice or Age UK.