Housing Benefit Scheme - overview

People on low incomes, including pensioners, may receive a reduction in their rates through the Housing Benefit scheme.

Housing Benefit Eligibility

You should apply if:

• you have capital or savings of less than £16,000 and are on low income or wage
• you are claiming benefits such as Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) or Pension Credit

Land & Property Services (LPS) administers the scheme for people who own and occupy their own home and Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) administers the scheme for those who rent their home.

Please use the attached links for details on how to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief and what to do if you disagree with the decision on your claim.

• How to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
• Housing Benefit decision making and appeals

Important Information

If you apply for help, you must still pay your rate bill while your application is being assessed. If your application is successful  LPS will refund the amount you have overpaid or credit the amount due to your account.

Any help you receive may depend on your income, savings, size of your rate bill and whether other people live with you.

What if you have been refused Housing Benefit before?

Seek advice. If your circumstances have changed other allowances may be available.

More useful links

• Managing debt (money, tax and benefits section)
• Benefits and financial support (money, tax and benefits section)
• Managing money (money, tax and benefits section)

In this section

• People on a low income
• Rate Relief scheme - overview
• How to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
• Housing Benefit decision making and Appeals
• Help with rates for pensioners
• Lone Pensioner Allowance
• Rates Deferment Scheme
• Disabled persons allowance - rates
• Energy efficient homes
• Low carbon homes