Housing Benefit for private tenants

How Housing Benefit is paid

Housing Benefit is usually paid directly to you. You are responsible for paying your landlord.

Standard payments

We pay Housing Benefit into your bank or building society account every two weeks.

You must use this money to pay your rent.

If you are having trouble managing your payments, contact the Welfare Support Team:

Asking for payments to go to your landlord

In some cases, we can pay your Housing Benefit directly to your landlord. This is called a safeguard referral.

You can ask for this if :

  • you have difficulty managing your money
  • you are at risk of losing your home
  • your landlord has helped you secure the tenancy

Download and complete the form

Page last modified: 15 January 2026