Universal Credit housing costs: help with your rent
If you are eligible for Universal Credit, you can get an extra amount towards your housing costs. It can help with rent to a private landlord, rent and service charges to a council or housing association, and some service charges if you own your home. Here is how the amount is worked out and what to do if it falls short.
How to claim the housing amount
If you already get Universal Credit, add your housing costs in your online account. If you are new, include them when you claim. If you rent, your landlord will be sent a housing costs verification form to confirm the details. Report any change of address or rent straight away — the amount is based on your housing costs at the end of each assessment period.
Renting privately
For private tenants, the amount is based on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for your area, your household size and your age. You can look up rates with the LHA tool on GOV.UK.
- Under 35 and living alone: usually limited to the shared accommodation rate (a room in a shared house). Exceptions include care leavers under 25, people who have spent at least three months in total in a homeless hostel, people getting the daily living part of PIP, the middle or highest care rate of DLA, Attendance Allowance, or Armed Forces Independence Payment, and victims of domestic abuse or modern slavery.
- 35 or over and living alone: the one-bedroom rate.
- Families and couples: based on the bedrooms you need.
Who is expected to share a bedroom
- an adult couple
- two children under 16 of the same sex
- two children under 10, whatever their sex
A single adult (16 or over) can have their own room, as can children who cannot share because of a disability or medical condition. An extra room can be allowed for a non-resident overnight carer.
Renting from the council or a housing association
Universal Credit can pay rent and some service charges, such as shared facilities (rubbish collection, communal lifts), essential items in your home and upper-floor window cleaning. If you have spare bedrooms, the amount is reduced:
| Spare bedrooms | Reduction |
|---|---|
| 1 spare bedroom | 14% |
| 2 or more spare bedrooms | 25% |
Other adults living with you
If someone aged 21 or over who is not your partner lives with you, your housing amount is usually reduced by £96.55 a month. There is no reduction if you get, for example, the daily living part of PIP, the middle or highest care rate of DLA, Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment, or are registered blind — or if the other adult gets Pension Credit, Carer's Allowance or one of those disability benefits, or is responsible for a child under five.
Who gets paid: you or your landlord?
In England and Wales the housing amount is usually paid to you with the rest of your Universal Credit, and you pay your landlord. If you are struggling, you or your landlord can ask for an alternative payment arrangement, such as rent paid direct. In Scotland you can choose to have it paid straight to your landlord and to be paid once or twice a month.
If the housing amount does not cover your rent
- Ask your local council about extra help — the Crisis and Resilience Fund in England, or a Discretionary Housing Payment in Scotland and Wales. Councils can also help with deposits and moving costs.
- Apply for Council Tax Reduction.
- Ask for a Budgeting Advance for a deposit or removal costs if you are moving.
Homeowners
Universal Credit can help with some service charges. You may also be able to get a Support for Mortgage Interest loan after three months in a row on Universal Credit.
Supported, temporary and sheltered housing
If you live in supported or sheltered housing that provides care, support or supervision, temporary accommodation arranged by the council because you are homeless, or a refuge, you claim Housing Benefit for your rent instead and Universal Credit for living costs.
If you become homeless
Report it in your online account. Your work coach can give you a break (an "easement") from your claimant commitment while you look for somewhere to live. Shelter's free helpline is 0808 800 4444.
The benefit cap can limit your total benefits, including the housing amount.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent will Universal Credit pay?
For private renters it depends on the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area, your household size and your age. Social tenants get their actual eligible rent, reduced if they have spare bedrooms.
What is the spare room reduction?
14% for one spare bedroom and 25% for two or more, for council and housing association tenants.
Can my rent be paid straight to my landlord?
In Scotland you can choose this. Elsewhere you or your landlord can ask for an alternative payment arrangement if you are struggling.
What if Universal Credit does not cover all my rent?
Ask your council for extra help, such as the Crisis and Resilience Fund in England or a Discretionary Housing Payment in Scotland and Wales.
Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.