KEY FACTS:

• Working age people (except those living in 'temporary' or 'specified' accommodation) are not able to make a new claim for Housing Benefit and need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead - BUT - some are wrongly told they have to claim UC when they don't need to! Click here.
• If able to claim, the claim should be made as soon as possible - any delay may mean they miss out on some HB. If they have delayed making their claim they may be able to get it backdated.
• Claims can be made directly to the HB Office - on a claim form (paper or online) or by registering their intention to claim over the phone. Note that the date of logging the intention to claim counts as the date of claim.
• In some situations it is important to know who should make the claim, and if there are any special rules that apply - i.e. joint tenants, people living in 'hostels' and couples.
• Some claimants will make their claim for HB via the Pension Service. Sometimes this process breaks down and the claimant may have grounds for appeal if they would otherwise miss out on some HB.
• For HB to be paid, the claimant must submit an 'effective' claim which means providing all the information and evidence reasonably requested within specific timescales.
  
  

What if a previous award has been incorrectly terminated? In many cases it would be prudent to try to have the award reinstated - to avoid loss of benefit, and prevent the need to claim UC (if this would be detrimental.