Estimate weekly and monthly Housing Benefit using eligible rent, household income, applicable amount, savings and deductions.
Estimate your Housing Benefit
This simplified estimate uses a 65% taper on income above the entered applicable amount. Your council applies the full Housing Benefit rules and may calculate a different award.
How the estimate works
Enter the lower of your actual eligible weekly rent and the Local Housing Allowance limit that applies to you. Add weekly assessable household income, the applicable amount relevant to your household, savings and any known weekly deductions. For private renters, GOV.UK says the eligible rent figure is normally the lower of actual rent and the relevant LHA rate.
| Step | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Tariff income | Working age: £1 for each £250 or part above £6,000. Pension age: £1 for each £500 or part above £10,000. |
| Excess income | Assessable income + tariff income − applicable amount, not below £0 |
| Income reduction | Excess income × 65% |
| Estimated award | Eligible rent − income reduction − entered deductions, bounded between £0 and eligible rent |
Check whether Housing Benefit is the right benefit
Most working-age people who need help with rent now claim Universal Credit instead. Housing Benefit may still apply in certain situations, including some supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation and eligible pension-age claims. GOV.UK also says a person will usually not qualify if savings exceed £16,000, unless the Guarantee Credit exception applies. Check the official Housing Benefit eligibility guidance or contact your local council before relying on this estimate.
Eligible rent and Local Housing Allowance
Eligible rent can exclude charges such as heating, water or meals. For many private tenants, the applicable LHA limit depends on the household’s bedroom entitlement and Broad Rental Market Area. Use the official LHA service and enter the lower eligible figure in this calculator.
Savings, tariff income and deductions
Savings below the relevant lower threshold do not create tariff income in this estimator. Between that threshold and £16,000, an assumed weekly income is added. Non-dependant deductions and other special rules can reduce the award, so enter a known deduction from your council calculation if available.
Related UK calculators
- Estimate education borrowing deductions with the Student Loan Repayment Calculator UK.
- Plan independent education costs with the School Fees Calculator UK.
- Compare housing support under the Universal Credit Calculator.
- Browse other tools on the United Kingdom Calculator homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim Housing Benefit while receiving Universal Credit?
Usually not, although exceptions can apply for certain temporary or supported accommodation. Check with your council.
Which rent figure should a private tenant enter?
Enter the lower of eligible actual rent and the Local Housing Allowance limit that applies to the household.
What is an applicable amount?
It is the weekly amount the rules say your household needs before Housing Benefit is reduced for excess income. It depends on personal circumstances.
Do savings affect Housing Benefit?
They can. Capital above the relevant lower threshold may create tariff income, and savings above £16,000 normally prevent entitlement unless an exception applies.
Is this an official council calculation?
No. It is a simplified planning estimate. Only the responsible council can confirm eligibility and the final award.