Universal Credit

Anyone claiming Housing Benefit rather than Universal Credit for help with their rent will continue to claim Housing Benefit until they change circumstances, which triggers a migration to Universal Credit. This could be a move into employment or a partner entering or leaving the household.

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you fall into one or more of the categories below.

Pensioners

If you are single, you are classed as a pensioner once you have reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit.

If you are part of a couple, you are classed as a pensioner if you have both reached the qualifying age for Pension Credit.

The qualifying age for pension Credit is linked to the date that a woman qualifies for her State Retirement Pension. Visit GOV.UK Check your State Pension for details. From 2019, the State Pension Age will increase for both men and women to reach 66 by October 2020.

However, since 15 May 2019, pensioners with a partner under state retirement age are no longer able to make a new claim for Pension Credit. A joint claim should instead be made for Universal Credit.

You cannot receive Housing Benefit and the Housing Cost element of Universal Credit for the same period.

Specified Accommodation residents

Tenants of certain types of Supported Accommodation will receive help with their rent from Housing Benefit, rather than Universal Credit, even if they receive Universal Credit for their other living costs.

This provision is restricted to accommodation, classified as 'Specified Accommodation'.

Specified Accommodation includes the following:

• Domestic violence refuges
• Homeless Hostels (but not self-contained properties)
• Properties owned by either Housing Associations, registered charities or voluntary organisations, and you require and receive support in your home which is more than minimal

In most cases, if you live in supported housing, your landlord should be able to tell you whether or not your home is classed as 'Specified Accommodation' or not.

However, as a general rule, the following categories of tenants do not fall under the definition of 'Specified Accommodation':

• Tenants of sheltered accommodation for over 50s
• Tenants who receive low levels of support or floating support, which amounts to less than two to three hours per week

Alternatively, you can call the council directly on 0151 443 4042 for further advice or guidance on this matter.