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

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.

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.

If you have been refused Housing Benefit before, seek advice. If your circumstances have changed other allowances may be available.

Upcoming events

A list of planned outreach events and campaigns can be found by clicking on the following link:

The Outreach Officer will speak to any club, charity, faith group, organisation or anyone interested in help with the rates and can be contacted as follows:

More useful links