| Housing Benefit – help with your rent
What is it? Housing Benefit may help you pay your rent if you're on Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support, or have a low income. If you're a council tenant it will be paid to the council. If you're a private tenant, it will be paid either to you or direct to your landlord. How much is it? It depends on the rent you pay, average rents in your area, your income, savings, other benefits, your age and your family size. It may not be the same amount as the rent you are actually paying. You cannot get Housing Benefit if you have savings of more than £16,000 and the amount you get is reduced if you have savings of more than £3,000. How do I claim? If you're getting income-based JSA or Income Support you will get a Housing Benefit claim form with your JSA/IS claim form. Otherwise get a form from your local council. The information included here is provided from the fact sheet Money for Mothers and Babies, produced in March 2004 and gives benefit rates from April 2004. It is important always to get up-to-date information. For details of publications, leaflets and information packs and training courses contact The Maternity Alliance office:
THE MATERNITY ALLIANCE |