Housing Benefit calculator
For 2026/27, the pension-age applicable amount used here is £256.00 a week for a single person and £383.35 for a couple, with income above that tapered at 65%, per gov.uk. Working-age renters normally get help with rent through Universal Credit instead. Only the Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award.
How does my income affect the amount?
Housing Benefit for pension-age renters starts from eligible rent, the part of the rent the scheme can help with.
Income is then compared with an applicable amount, a figure that reflects the basic living costs the government expects for a household, per gov.uk.
If income is at or below that amount, help with all of the eligible rent is estimated.
Above the applicable amount, the help tapers: for each extra £1 of weekly income, Housing Benefit drops by an estimated 65p.
Do my savings matter?
Savings above £16,000 usually stop a claim, unless the Guarantee part of Pension Credit is in payment.
Between £10,000 and £16,000, a small tariff income is added, which slightly reduces the estimated help.
Local Housing Allowance limits and non-dependant deductions also apply in real cases, so this remains a guide, and the council makes the formal assessment.
What does the worked example show?
A single pensioner with £140.00 a week eligible rent, £240.00 a week income and £6,000 in savings has an estimated applicable amount of about £256.00.
Income above that is tapered at 65%, which reduces the estimated help.
The estimate here is roughly £140.00 a week towards the rent, or about £7,280 over the year.
Common questions
Can I still claim Housing Benefit if I am working age?
Usually no. New claims for help with rent from working-age renters go through the Universal Credit housing element instead. Housing Benefit is now mainly for people over State Pension age, and for people in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation. This tool models the pension-age case.
What is eligible rent?
Eligible rent is the part of your rent that Housing Benefit can help with. It can be less than your actual rent if the council applies a Local Housing Allowance limit, a size restriction, or takes off amounts for things like heating or water included in the rent. Your council sets the eligible figure.
How does my income affect the amount?
If your income is at or below an "applicable amount" for your household, you can get help with all of your eligible rent. Above that level, Housing Benefit falls by 65p for every extra £1 of income. This tool uses about £256 a week for a single pensioner and £383.35 for a couple as a guide, but the real figures depend on your exact age and any premiums.
Do my savings matter?
Savings over £16,000 usually stop Housing Benefit, unless you get the Guarantee part of Pension Credit. Between £10,000 and £16,000 a small "tariff income" of £1 a week is added for each £500 over £10,000, which slightly reduces the help.
Is this the exact amount I will get?
No. It is a rough guide. Housing Benefit rules involve Local Housing Allowance rates, non-dependant deductions and premiums that vary by household. Apply to your council for a proper assessment, and claim Pension Credit at the same time if you might qualify.
What does the worked example show?
A single pensioner with £140.00 a week eligible rent, £240.00 a week income and £6,000 in savings has an estimated applicable amount of about £256.00. Income above that is tapered at 65%, which reduces the estimated help to roughly £140.00 a week, or about £7,280 over the year. The Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award, so this figure is a guide only.
Sources & Rate Verification
Rates verified against official statutory guidance on 6 September 2026.