How your Housing Benefit is calculated
Housing Benefit is worked out using national rules set by the government. We use the information you provide, along with income details we receive from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
We look at your household’s income, not just your own.
Your household income
We assess the income of:
- you
- your partner (if you have one)
- other adults living in your home, if applicable.
Earnings and income information from Universal Credit and HMRC
If you are a working age household, earnings information is sent to the DWP by HMRC. We receive this data automatically and must use the figures provided.
Your earnings data is supplied to DWP by HMRC. If you think your earnings or your partner’s earnings are wrong, please contact UC/HMRC. We can’t amend these figures locally.
Other information we use
When calculating your Housing Benefit, we also consider:
- your rent
- your savings and your partner’s savings
- who lives in your household
- any benefits you receive
- any deductions we must apply for other adults living with you (non dependents).
Changes you must tell us about
You must report any changes as soon as they happen, including changes to:
- your income or your partner’s income
- your rent
- who lives with you
- your benefits
- your savings or your partner’s savings.
Delays in reporting changes may lead to overpayments that you may have to repay.
Need help?
If you have questions about how your Housing Benefit has been calculated, please check your Self Service online account.