Benefits & Support2 min check

Housing Benefit / LHA Checker

Check whether you can claim Housing Benefit (mostly closed to new working-age claimants) or work out your Local Housing Allowance under Universal Credit.

Short answer

Most working-age renters now get help with rent through Universal Credit, capped at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for the area and household size. Pensioners and people in supported/temporary accommodation can still claim Housing Benefit directly.

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Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Tenure, Are you State Pension age?, Monthly contractual rent, Your official monthly LHA rate (enter 0 for social rent), Bedrooms you're entitled to (1 per couple/single 16+, 1 per pair of same-sex children, etc.), Monthly household net income (excluding HB).
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Benefits & Support. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

For private renters, help with rent is capped at the Local Housing Allowance for your area and the bedrooms you're entitled to. Single people under 35 are usually limited to the Shared Accommodation Rate.

For social tenants, your full eligible rent is covered, but working-age claimants face the 'bedroom tax' (14% reduction for 1 spare room, 25% for 2+).

Worked example

A private renter paying £900/month looks up an official monthly LHA rate of £750 and enters both figures. Potential eligible rent is capped at £750, leaving a £150 shortfall before the rest of the benefit calculation.

Who should use this

•Private renters on low income
•Pension-age renters (still claim HB directly)
•Tenants in supported or temporary accommodation
•Working-age UC claimants checking their housing element

Common mistakes

×Assuming HB is open to working-age — most must claim UC instead
×Not knowing LHA is capped — your full rent may not be covered
×Forgetting the bedroom tax in social housing
×Single under-35s expecting more than the shared room rate

Frequently asked questions

Can I still claim Housing Benefit?▾

Only if you're State Pension age, in supported/temporary accommodation, or already on legacy benefits with HB.

What is LHA?▾

Local Housing Allowance — the maximum housing support for private renters, set per Broad Rental Market Area and bedroom entitlement.

What is the bedroom tax?▾

A 14%/25% reduction in housing support for working-age social tenants with 1 or 2+ spare bedrooms.

Why is my single LHA so low?▾

Single people under 35 without children get only the Shared Accommodation Rate unless they qualify for an exemption (e.g. ex-offender, severe disability, care leaver).

Can I get Discretionary Housing Payment?▾

Yes — apply to your council if there's a shortfall between your housing element and rent.

Related calculators

Universal Credit Calculator →Council Tax Reduction Checker →Rent vs Buy →