Can I Get Housing Benefit on State Pension?

Are you eligible for Housing Benefit while on State Pension? Learn how pensioners can get help with rent, the rules, and how to apply for financial support.

For many pensioners, the State Pension is the main source of income, but with rising living costs, it may not always be enough to cover rent and other essential expenses. If you’re wondering whether you can claim Housing Benefit while on State Pension, the answer is: it depends on your financial situation, living arrangements, and where you live.

The good news is that pensioners can still receive help with housing costs, but Housing Benefit is no longer available for most new claims. Instead, financial support for rent is now provided through Pension Credit (Housing Costs) or Universal Credit (for certain mixed-age couples). Let’s break down what this means, how eligibility works, and how you can claim assistance if you’re struggling with rent.

Can Pensioners Get Housing Benefit?

If you are already receiving Housing Benefit, you will continue to get it as long as your circumstances remain the same. However, if you are making a new claim, Housing Benefit is now mostly replaced by the Housing Costs element of Pension Credit.

This means that pensioners who need help with rent should now apply for Pension Credit, which may include extra financial support specifically for housing costs.

However, there are exceptions. You may still be able to claim Housing Benefit directly if:

  • You live in supported, sheltered, or temporary accommodation (such as a care home or hostel).

  • You are a single pensioner or part of a couple where both partners have reached State Pension age and you qualify under the older rules.

  • You are already on Housing Benefit and haven’t had a break in your claim.

For most other pensioners, Pension Credit (Housing Costs) is now the main way to get rent support.

Housing Support for Pensioners: Pension Credit and Housing Benefit

1. Pension Credit (Housing Costs Element)

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to top up the income of low-income pensioners. It has two parts:

  • Guarantee Credit – Ensures your income reaches a minimum level.

  • Savings Credit – Available to those who reached State Pension age before April 2016 and have some savings.

If you qualify for Guarantee Credit, you may also be eligible for extra help with rent through the Housing Costs element of Pension Credit. This essentially replaces Housing Benefit for most pensioners making a new claim.

2. Housing Benefit (For Certain Pensioners Only)

Although Housing Benefit has been phased out for most people, some pensioners may still receive it if they were already claiming before Universal Credit was introduced.

You may still qualify for Housing Benefit if you:

  • Live in sheltered accommodation, a care home, or supported housing.

  • Already receive Housing Benefit and your circumstances haven’t changed.

  • Are in a mixed-age couple (one partner is under State Pension age) but were claiming Housing Benefit before Universal Credit took over.

If none of these apply, you will likely need to claim Pension Credit with Housing Costs instead.

Who Is Eligible for Housing Cost Support?

Whether you receive Housing Benefit or Pension Credit (Housing Costs), your eligibility depends on:

  • Your income and savings – If your total income is low, you’re more likely to qualify.

  • Your rent amount and landlord type – Private renters and social housing tenants can both claim, but support levels may vary.

  • Your living arrangements – If you live with other adults who are not your partner, their income may affect your claim.

If you have savings over £16,000, you will not qualify for Housing Benefit unless you receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), which removes the savings limit.

For those renting from private landlords, the amount of help you get may be capped by Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, which set a maximum housing support level based on where you live.

How to Apply for Housing Support as a Pensioner

If you are already receiving Housing Benefit, you do not need to reapply—you will continue getting payments unless your circumstances change.

If you are making a new claim, follow these steps:

1. Check If You Qualify for Pension Credit

Since Housing Benefit is no longer available for most new claims, applying for Pension Credit is the best way to get help with rent. You can apply for Pension Credit by:

  • Online at GOV.UK – Apply for Pension Credit

  • Calling the Pension Credit helpline – Telephone: 0800 99 1234

2. Contact Your Local Council                         

If you live in supported housing, a care home, or sheltered accommodation, you may still be eligible for Housing Benefit. Contact your local council to apply directly for Housing Benefit if you meet these conditions.

3. Provide the Necessary Information

When applying for Pension Credit (Housing Costs) or Housing Benefit, you’ll need to provide:

  • Proof of income and savings (bank statements, pension details).

  • Details of your rent and landlord (tenancy agreement, rent receipts).

  • Identification documents (passport, driving licence, or birth certificate).

Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision on how much financial support you qualify for. Payments are typically made directly to your landlord or into your bank account.

Final Thoughts: Can You Get Housing Benefit on State Pension?

Yes, pensioners can receive financial help with rent, but Housing Benefit is no longer available for most new claims. Instead, pensioners on low incomes should apply for Pension Credit (Housing Costs), which replaces Housing Benefit for most older renters.

However, if you already receive Housing Benefit or live in supported housing, a care home, or sheltered accommodation, you may still be eligible under the old rules.

If you are struggling with rent on a State Pension, it’s always worth checking if you qualify for Pension Credit, as this could also unlock other financial benefits, such as help with council tax and utility bills.

To find out what support you are entitled to, apply for Pension Credit online or contact your local council for Housing Benefit enquiries. Ensuring you receive all the financial help available can make a significant difference in managing your living costs during retirement.