Clear, jargon-free guides to UK benefits, from Universal Credit to PIP

Housing

Find help with housing costs, rent payments and accommodation support in the UK. Learn about Housing Benefit, Universal Credit housing elements, council tax support, social housing options, homelessness assistance and other schemes designed to help individuals and families secure and maintain affordable housing.

Moving home on Universal Credit: how to keep your housing payments right

Moving home on Universal Credit? How to report the move, keep your housing element right, reclaim Council Tax Reduction, and get help with moving costs.

6 May 2026 6 min

Supported and sheltered housing: how your rent is paid

In supported, sheltered and temporary accommodation, rent is usually met by Housing Benefit, not Universal Credit. How it works and how to claim the right way.

5 May 2026 6 min

Council Tax bands, discounts and the single person discount

Council tax bands, the 25% single person discount, disregards for students and carers, the severe mental impairment discount and the disability reduction explained.

4 May 2026 6 min

Benefits and homelessness: emergency help and your rights

If you are homeless or about to be, your council has duties to help. Emergency accommodation, priority need, and how being on benefits fits in.

3 May 2026 6 min

What to do if you're facing eviction and claiming benefits

Facing eviction? What to do if you claim benefits, the end of Section 21 no-fault evictions in England from 2026, and how to use your benefits to keep your home.

2 May 2026 6 min

Claiming housing support when you rent from a family member

Can you get housing support if you rent from family? The stricter rules, when a claim is refused, and how to show your tenancy is genuinely commercial.

1 May 2026 6 min

Housing Benefit in 2026: who can still claim it

Most working-age people can no longer claim Housing Benefit. Who can still claim it in 2026, including pensioners and people in supported or temporary accommodation.

1 May 2026 6 min

Help with mortgage costs: Support for Mortgage Interest explained

Support for Mortgage Interest is a government loan that helps homeowners on benefits pay their mortgage interest. Who can get it, the recent changes, and the catch.

30 April 2026 5 min

The "bedroom tax" explained and how to get an exemption

The bedroom tax cuts the housing support of social tenants with spare rooms by 14% or 25%. Who it affects, the exemptions, and what you can do about it.

29 April 2026 5 min

Discretionary Housing Payments: emergency help with rent shortfalls

A Discretionary Housing Payment is extra council help when your housing support does not cover your rent. What it covers, who can apply, and how decisions are made.

28 April 2026 5 min

Council Tax Reduction: how to cut (or wipe out) your council tax bill

Council Tax Reduction can cut your council tax bill if you are on a low income, sometimes to zero. How the schemes vary, who can claim, and how to apply.

27 April 2026 5 min

Local Housing Allowance rates: how much rent Universal Credit will actually cover

Local Housing Allowance sets the maximum rent support for private tenants. How it is worked out, why it is frozen and often falls short, and how to check your rate.

26 April 2026 5 min