Housing Benefit calculator
A pension-age Housing Benefit estimate from eligible rent, income and savings. If you are working age, help with rent normally comes through Universal Credit instead.
How the calculation works
Housing Benefit for pension-age renters starts from your eligible rent, the part of the rent the scheme can help with. Your income is then compared with an applicable amount, a figure that reflects the basic living costs the government expects for your household. If your income is at or below that amount, you can get help with all of your eligible rent.
Above the applicable amount, the help tapers. For each extra £1 of weekly income, Housing Benefit drops by 65p. Savings play a part too: above £16,000 you usually cannot claim, and between £10,000 and £16,000 a small tariff income is added. Because Local Housing Allowance limits and non-dependant deductions also apply in real cases, treat this as a guide and let the council make the formal assessment.
Worked example
A single pensioner with £140.00 a week eligible rent, £240.00 a week income and £6,000 in savings has an applicable amount of about £256.00. Income above that is tapered at 65%, which reduces the help. The estimate here is roughly £140.00 a week towards the rent, 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.