First, check whether you are likely to qualify, including your age, income, savings, rent, household and immigration conditions. Housing Benefit is mainly for people who have reached State Pension age or live in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation; many other working-age renters claim Universal Credit housing costs instead. Next, use your local council’s benefits checker and gather your tenancy agreement, rent details, identity documents and income evidence before applying through the council. The council makes the final decision based on your circumstances, so check the official GOV.UK guidance or contact your council if you are unsure.