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Nidirect brings together lots of information from government departments and agencies, written in a language that is easy to understand. You don't need to know the workings of government to find what you are after.

Housing Benefit and Rate Relief

Here you can read about the Housing Benefit Scheme and the new Rate Relief Scheme.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit (sometimes called Rate Rebate) is a Social Security benefit to help people on  a low income to pay their rent or rates. Land & Property Services are responsible for the administration of Housing Benefit for people who own and occupy their own homes.

If you do not own your own home contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (opens in new window) about claiming Housing Benefit or Rate Relief.

If you are on a low income, or if you get

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, or
  • Pension credit

and you have less than £16,000 saved, you may be able to get help through the Housing Benefit Scheme.

Important Information

On 29 October 2009, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson announced changes to the pensioners' savings rule for rate relief. For more information, please click on the link below:

Even if you're not sure whether you can claim Housing Benefit, or if you have tried to claim in the past but not been successful, you should apply again, because now you may be entitled help through the Rate Relief Scheme.

Rate Relief Scheme

The new Rate Relief Scheme helps you if you are

  • A pensioner and you have savings of less than £50,000
  • getting Housing Benefit for only part of your rate bill; or
  • just outside the income limit for receiving Housing Benefit.

Applying for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief

When you apply for Housing Benefit or Rate Relief (the same application form is used for both schemes) we will look at your circumstances. Your entitlement will depend on

  • your income;
  • your savings.;
  • your particular personal circumstances (such as having children, being disabled, other people living in the household).; and
  • the amount of rates you pay.

Application forms

You can download an application form for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief by clicking on the link below, or by one of the other methods listed:

Or write to -

Land & Property Services
Housing Benefit Central Unit,
Londonderry House,
21 - 27 Chichester Street,
TOWN PARKS
Belfast.
BT1 4JB