RFTUK housing-cost help
UK-wide housing-cost support guide.
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Most new claims are now made through Universal Credit, although some people remain on Housing Benefit depending on their circumstances.
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Direct routes to official or established information relevant to this guide.
HMRC, DWP, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit Housing Costs, Council Tax Support, Rent Arrears, Mortgage Difficulties and Legal Protections Purpose: This guide provides neutral, factual information based on UK legislation, official government guidance, and recognised independent advice organisations. It explains support available for housing costs, council tax, rent arrears, mortgage difficulties and housing debt, together with the legal rights and protections available when dealing with public authorities and creditors. Important: HMRC does not usually administer housing support. Most housing-related financial support is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local authorities, housing associations, mortgage lenders and courts. HMRC information may still be used to verify income through PAYE and tax records.
Contents
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit Housing Costs
- Council Tax Support
- Council Tax Discounts
- Council Tax Exemptions
- Single Person Discount
- Disability Council Tax Reduction
- Rent Arrears Support
- Mortgage Difficulties
- Housing Debt
- Rights When Dealing With Councils, DWP and Creditors
- Data Protection Rights
- Independent Advice and Support
1. Housing Benefit
What is Housing Benefit?
Housing Benefit helps eligible people with rent payments.
Most new claims are now made through Universal Credit, although some people remain on Housing Benefit depending on their circumstances.
Official guidance:
Who May Still Claim?
Certain groups may still qualify under existing rules, including some:
- Pension-age claimants
- Supported accommodation residents
- Temporary accommodation residents
Official guidance:
2. Universal Credit Housing Costs
What is the Housing Costs Element?
Universal Credit may include support towards housing costs.
This can help with:
- Rent payments
- Certain service charges
- Housing-related costs
Official guidance:
Homeowners
Some homeowners may qualify for support through:
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
SMI is generally provided as a loan and may help with qualifying mortgage interest costs.
Official guidance:
3. Council Tax Support
What is Council Tax Support?
Council Tax Support (sometimes called Council Tax Reduction) may reduce council tax bills for eligible households.
Each local authority operates its own scheme within legal requirements.
Eligibility often depends on:
- Income
- Savings
- Household composition
- Disability status
Official guidance:
4. Council Tax Discounts
Several council tax discounts may be available.
Examples include:
Single Person Discount
Student Discounts
Apprentice Discounts
Certain Disability-Related Reductions
Official guidance:
5. Council Tax Exemptions
Some properties may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.
Examples may include:
- Certain student properties
- Certain empty properties
- Some accommodation occupied by people with severe mental impairments
Rules vary according to legislation and local authority administration.
Official guidance:
6. Single Person Discount
What is It?
If only one eligible adult lives in a property, a 25% council tax discount may usually apply.
Official guidance:
Reporting Changes
You should notify the local authority if circumstances change.
Examples:
- Someone moves in
- Someone moves out
- Household composition changes
7. Disability Council Tax Reduction
Additional Disability Support
Some disabled people may qualify for additional reductions.
This can apply where:
- The property contains certain adaptations.
- Additional space is required because of disability.
Official guidance:
Severe Mental Impairment (SMI)
Some people diagnosed with qualifying conditions may be disregarded for council tax purposes.
Official guidance:
8. Rent Arrears Support
What Are Rent Arrears?
Rent arrears occur when rent payments are missed or fall behind.
If arrears arise:
Act Early
Contact your landlord or housing provider as soon as possible.
Seek Advice
Independent advice may help prevent further action.
Official guidance:
- Help if You Owe Rent
Discretionary Housing Payments
Some local authorities may provide discretionary support where housing costs create hardship.
Official guidance:
- Discretionary Housing Payments
9. Mortgage Difficulties
If You Are Struggling With Mortgage Payments
Contact your lender immediately.
Possible options may include:
- Temporary payment arrangements
- Mortgage term extensions
- Interest-only arrangements
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
Official guidance:
- Help if You Are Struggling With Mortgage Payments
Mortgage Possession Proceedings
Lenders must generally follow legal procedures before repossession.
Court oversight is usually required.
Official guidance:
- Mortgage Repossession Guidance
10. Housing Debt
Types of Housing Debt
Housing-related debt may include:
- Rent arrears
- Mortgage arrears
- Service charge arrears
- Council tax debt
Debt Advice
Independent debt advice is available free of charge.
Trusted organisations include:
Rights When Dealing With Councils, DWP and Creditors
Public authorities and creditors must generally act within the law.
Individuals may have rights to:
Clear Explanations
Request Reviews
Challenge Decisions
Appeal Certain Decisions
Access Independent Tribunals or Courts
Official guidance:
- Appeal a Benefits Decision
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Council Tax Recovery Rights
If you disagree with council tax decisions, you may be able to:
- Request clarification
- Challenge liability decisions
- Seek review of discounts or reductions
- Appeal through appropriate procedures
Official guidance:
Data Protection Rights
Local authorities, DWP, HMRC and lenders must comply with:
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
Individuals generally have rights to:
Access Information
Correct Inaccuracies
Challenge Improper Processing
Make Complaints
Official resources:
Additional Housing Support People Often Miss
Household Support Fund
Emergency support administered through local authorities.
Pension Credit
May increase access to other support schemes.
Benefits Calculators
Useful for checking entitlement.
Cost of Living Support
- Help for Households
Independent Advice and Support
Government Information
Housing Advice
General Advice
Benefits Advice
Debt Advice
Key Legal Principles
Under UK law, people facing housing costs, council tax liabilities, rent arrears, mortgage difficulties or housing-related debt may have access to support schemes, reductions, discounts and appeal rights. DWP, local authorities, HMRC and other public bodies must operate within powers granted by Parliament, provide lawful decision-making processes, respect privacy rights, and allow access to reviews and appeals where legislation permits. Individuals should report changes of circumstances promptly, keep relevant records, and seek independent advice early if financial difficulties arise.