Housing Benefit (Rate Rebate) Questions and Answers
Who can claim Housing Benefit?
Anyone can claim Housing Benefit but Land and Property Services are responsible only for dealing with claims for owner/occupiers. If you do not own your own home contact your local Northern Ireland Housing Executive Office (external link) about claiming Housing Benefit or Rate Relief.
I own my own home, can I claim Housing Benefit?
If you own your home you may be entitled to Housing Benefit. You can download an application form (opens in new window PDF 652 KB).
I have my day in my house, can I claim Housing Benefit?
If you have your day in your house you should contact your local Northern Ireland Housing Executive office about claiming Housing Benefit.
I am buying my home through the Co-Ownership/Rental Purchase Scheme?
If you are buying your home through the Co-Ownership/Rental Purchase Scheme you should contact your local Northern Ireland Housing Executive office about claiming Housing Benefit.
How much money can I have in savings/invested?
Under Housing Benefit legislation you can have up to £16,000 in savings before a claim is disallowed. The first £6,000 of capital is not counted.
For claimants aged under 60
Capital of a value between £6,000 and £16,000 will be taken into account in your assessment, at the rate of £1 per week for each £250 (or part of £250) of capital over the £6,000 level if you are under 60. For example, if you have capital of over £6,000 but no more than £6,250, you would have an amount of £1 per week taken into account in the calculation of your Housing Benefit. If you have over £6,250 but no more than £6,500 you would have an amount of £2 per week taken into account and so on.
For claimants aged 60 or over
Capital of a value between £6,000 and £16,000 will be taken into account in your assessment at the rate of £1 per week for each £500 (or part of £500) of capital over the £6,000 level if you are 60 or over. For example, if you have capital of over £6,000 but no more than £6,500 you would have an amount of £1 per week taken into account in the calculation of your Housing Benefit. If you have over £6,500 but no more than £7,000 you would have an amount of £2 per week taken into account and so on.
If I am receiving Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit can I claim Housing Benefit?
People receiving Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit can claim Housing Benefit. However, in the majority of cases their income is too high and they receive a reduced benefit or they are not eligible.
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