How to get help with rent after Housing Benefit closed to new working-age claims
Key points
- From 1 July 2026, most working-age people cannot start a new Housing Benefit claim — rent help is now through Universal Credit
- If you already get Housing Benefit, your payments continue until DWP sends you a migration notice asking you to move to UC
- Universal Credit housing costs follow the same Local Housing Allowance rates as Housing Benefit, so the amount of help available does not change
If you rent privately and you are of working age, you can no longer start a new Housing Benefit claim. The government closed new Housing Benefit claims for most working-age people on 1 July 2026. If you need help paying your rent, you now need to apply for Universal Credit (UC) instead.
What changed on 1 July 2026
Before 1 July 2026, working-age people in private rented homes could apply for Housing Benefit to help cover their rent. That changed on 1 July 2026.
From that date, new Housing Benefit claims are only open to:
- people who have reached State Pension age
- people who live in supported, sheltered, or temporary accommodation, whatever their age
If you are of working age and rent privately, Housing Benefit is now closed to new claims. Universal Credit is the route to rent support.
How Universal Credit covers your rent
When you apply for Universal Credit, tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that you need help with your rent. The part of UC that pays toward housing is called the housing cost element.
The amount you can get follows the same Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates that Housing Benefit used. LHA is set by where you live and the size of home you are entitled to. You can check your local rate using the LHA rate guide.
The housing cost element is added on top of your UC standard allowance. If you have children, a health condition, or a carer role, those extra elements are added on top too.
What if you already get Housing Benefit?
Your current payments carry on. You do not need to do anything right now.
DWP will write to you with an official migration notice when it is time to move to Universal Credit. The letter will give you a deadline to make your UC claim. If you claim by that date, a top-up called transitional protection keeps your income at the same level — so you do not lose money when you move.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →Who can still make a new Housing Benefit claim?
You can still apply for Housing Benefit directly if:
- you have reached State Pension age
- you live in a hostel, refuge, sheltered housing, or other supported accommodation
- your council has placed you in temporary accommodation
If any of these apply to you, contact your local council to start a Housing Benefit claim.
How to apply for Universal Credit
You apply for Universal Credit online at GOV.UK. You will need:
- your National Insurance number
- your bank account details
- your landlord's name and address, and the rent you pay
- details of any income and savings
When you fill in the form, say you need help with housing costs. Universal Credit will work out how much you can get based on your circumstances and local LHA rate.
Get free help with your application
The application can feel confusing. Citizens Advice runs a free Help to Claim service — advisers can guide you through the form and make sure you do not miss out on any element. If your housing situation is complicated — for example, you are worried about eviction or arrears — Shelter also offers free specialist housing advice.
Frequently asked questions
I need help with rent right now — what should I do?
Apply for Universal Credit on GOV.UK and say you need help with rent — Citizens Advice offers a free Help to Claim service if you need support with the form.
Does this change apply in Scotland and Wales too?
Yes — this change applies across England, Scotland, and Wales; in Northern Ireland, contact the Department for Communities, which runs its own Housing Benefit separately.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit