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How to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief

To apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief you must submit an application form and relevant documentation. Find out what you need to apply.

Making an application for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief

When you apply for Housing Benefit you are also assessed for Rate Relief. This means that if you do not qualify for Housing Benefit, or only qualify for partial Housing Benefit, you may still be entitled to some help with your rates through the Rate Relief scheme.

The same form is used to apply for both Housing Benefit and Rate Relief. Land & Property Services (LPS) staff will assess Housing Benefit eligibility in the first instance. If you do not qualify for full Housing Benefit, LPS staff will then assess Rate Relief eligibility.

To apply, you must submit an application form. You can download this form using the link below:

You can also call LPS and request a form. Contact details for LPS are as follows:

Or by writing to:

Land & Property Services
Housing Benefit Central Unit
Lincoln Building
27 - 45 Great Victoria Street
Malone Lower
BELFAST
BT2 7SL

Essential Documents

You must provide all relevant information and copies of documentation requested in the application form, such as:

  • National Insurance Number
  • details of savings
  • proof of income
  • proof of entitlement to the state pension
  • proof of student status
  • proof of entitlement to benefits

Other factors will be taken into account when assessing your claim. These include:

  • the amount of your rate bill
  • the number of people in the house
  • whether there are children in the house
  • if there is someone with a disability in the house

Important Information

Your application will be refused if it is not complete and all documentation included.

The Housing Benefit Regulations put a responsibility on the customer to advise LPS of any change of circumstances, which may affect benefit entitlement within one month of the change occurring. Failure to do so may result in a loss of benefit.

If you are not sure whether you can claim Housing Benefit, or have made an unsuccessful application in the past, you should apply again, because even if your application is not successful, you may be entitled to help through the Rate Relief scheme.

If you rent your home

If you rent your home you can get more information on Housing Benefit on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive website, or you can ring and request an application form:

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