Benefits

Government changes to welfare benefits  

In recent years, the Government has made changes to the benefits people are entitled to claim, and it's also changing how the money is allocated.

A new limit has been put on the total amount a household can receive in benefits, changing how much is paid to you through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. If you're affected by this, it's vital you continue to pay your rent, and we recommend you speak to our Rent Assist Team about it.

Find out more about how the benefit cap might affect you.

What is the bedroom tax?

The bedroom tax or ‘spare room subsidy’ affects people with bedrooms that are regarded as ‘spare’. It reduces your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit by 14% for one spare room and 25% for two or more spare rooms.

The tax has led many people to downsize. Please email us if you'd like advice on how to move to a smaller property.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is the new way benefits – including Housing Benefit – are paid. Anyone under retirement age receiving Housing Benefit will have to go online to claim their money. 

Benefits will be paid directly into a bank account and recipients will be responsible for arranging payments for rent and any other bills.

The easiest way to do this is to set up a direct debit. We encourage all our tenants to do this as it takes away the risk of forgetting to pay your rent – and avoids the build-up of arrears (payments you owe).

For more information

Find out more on our paying your rent page or contact our Rent Assist Team via email at rentassist@habinteg.org.uk or by phone on 0300 365 3100.

MoneyHelper has lots of useful information and calculators. Visit their benefits section for more information.

Difficulty paying your rent?

Take action as soon as possible if you're having problems paying your rent. Call 0300 365 3100 and ask for our Rent Assist Team.