Housing Benefit historically helped people on a low income pay their rent, but it's been replaced by Universal Credit's housing element for most new claimants. Understanding who can still claim it — and who should claim the Universal Credit housing element instead — is the key thing to get right before applying.
Who can still make a new claim
New claims for Housing Benefit are now generally only possible for a limited group — most commonly people who are of State Pension age (and not part of a mixed-age couple already on Universal Credit), or people living in supported, sheltered, or temporary accommodation. Most working-age people needing help with rent will claim the housing element of Universal Credit instead.
How it's assessed
Where you can still claim it, the amount depends on your income, savings, household size, and the rent you're charged, along with local caps that apply to private tenancies (the Local Housing Allowance). Council or social housing tenants are assessed differently from those renting privately.
If you're already claiming Universal Credit
If you're on Universal Credit, help with rent comes through the housing element of that payment rather than a separate Housing Benefit claim — you generally can't receive both for the same tenancy. If you're unsure which applies to your situation, your local council or Citizens Advice can help clarify before you apply for the wrong one.
Moving from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit
The DWP has been migrating remaining legacy benefit claimants (including some Housing Benefit claimants) onto Universal Credit through a formal "managed migration" process, which involves a notice with a deadline to claim. It's important not to ignore a migration notice, since missing the deadline can mean a gap in support.