Benefits

Government changes to welfare benefits  

In recent years the Government has made changes to the benefits people are entitled to claim, and is 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 are affected by this, it is vital you continue to pay your rent, and we recommend you speak to our Rent Assist Team about it.

See 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’ by reducing their Housing Benefit or Universal Credit – by 14% for one spare room and 25% for two or more.

This has led many people to downsize. Please get in touch 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 would 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.

For more information

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

The Money Advice Service has lots of useful information and calculators. Visit their help with your 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.