My housing benefit does not cover my rent

The local authority will only pay out benefits up to a certain limit.  If your housing benefit does not cover your full rent, then you should contact the council to find out why.  There are various reasons why this might be the case but the most common ones are:

Non-dependent deductions

A non-dependant is someone who lives with you as part of your household but is not your husband, wife, civil partner or partner (including same sex partners), who is over the age of 18 and who you do not claim child benefit for.

If you claim housing benefit, the council will assume that most non-dependants can make a contribution to your rent when it works out how much help you are entitled to. The amount of money taken off your benefit will depend on their age and income.  

Deductions made for over payments

You might have period where you housing benefit does not cover the rent as you are receiving a reduced amount to cover previous overpayments. Seek further advice if you feel this is incorrect 

Your rent is considered to be too high

Housing benefit is only paid up to a certain amount depending on your location and situation.  Therefore it might be the case that your accommodation is deemed as too expensive and the Council will not pay for the full amount.  If this case, you may be able to claim Discretionary housing payment which is extra money that you can apply for if you are having financial problems because housing benefit does not cover the whole of your rent.

Contact the One Space housing expert for personalised support or go to Shelter for more information.