Housing Benefit for private tenants

How payment is made

Housing Benefit is paid directly to you and you will have to pay your landlord. It is normally paid directly into a bank or a building society account and will be paid every 2 weeks.

As a tenant you are responsible for paying your rent to your landlord. It is important that you pay your rent on time to avoid losing your home.

Safeguard policy

Some tenants may struggle with the responsibility of paying their rent so our safeguard policy is in place to make direct payments to landlords in certain circumstances for vulnerable tenants. In exceptional circumstances you or your landlord may apply to us to have your benefit paid direct to them.

• Our safeguard policy
• Safeguard referral form (Application for payment of Housing Benefit direct to landlord)

Help and advice on opening a bank account

Our money advice team can help with budgeting and managing debt.