Make a Housing Benefit claim

Use our online or paper form to make a Housing Benefit (HB) claim.

Eligibility

Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit. You should check whether you are eligible for Housing Benefit before beginning a claim.

Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit. You can check your entitlement to Housing Benefit before making a claim by using a benefit calculator.

Evidence required

We will need proof of your circumstances in order to assess your claim. See our evidence checklist.

If you don't have all the information we need at this stage, you can submit additional evidence later. The sooner you provide any evidence required the quicker we can process your claim for benefits.

You will need to provide:

• Proof of identity for you and your partner such as a passport, driving licence or birth certificate
• National Insurance number for you and your partner
• Details of members in your household, for example their date of birth and income
• Earnings for you and your partner
• Benefits, allowances and pensions for you and your partner
• Your and your partner's bank accounts
• Your most recent monthly statement if you’re receiving Universal Credit

How to apply

You can apply online or by post.

To avoid delay in assessing your claim you should ensure that you provide all the information required. We will contact you if any further information is needed.

Online

If you are unable to access the online form or need help to complete it, call 020 8871 6000.

Make a claim

By post

You can apply by post if you prefer.

Download, print and complete our claim form, or contact Housing Benefits and we will send a copy to you.

Post your completed form to:

Wandsworth Council
Benefits Service
PO Box 500
London
SW18 2PN

After you apply

Once your benefit has been calculated, you will receive a Benefit Decision Notice regarding your benefit entitlement.

Find out more about your claim decision.

Backdating a claim

Sometimes we can pay Housing Benefit for a period before the date you claimed. This is called backdating.

Your claim will be considered by a benefits officer. The more information and evidence you give in support of your claim the quicker a decision can be made.

Find out more about backdating a claim.

Other adults living with you

If anyone over 18 years old (apart from a partner) lives with you, they are referred to as a 'non-dependant'. Their circumstances and gross income may affect your benefit.

More information is available about other adults living with you.

Declaring your income

We need to know details of your income and that of your partner to calculate your Housing Benefit.

The following forms of income are taken into consideration:

• Earnings
• Self-employed earnings
• Pensions
• Certain state benefits
• Rent received from tenants or boarders
• Tax credits

Find out how income can affect your claims.

Your savings and capital

Housing Benefit is a 'means tested' benefit, so your income and savings will affect how much you get.

Find out how savings and capital could affect your benefits.