Housing Benefit

How to apply

You can apply for housing benefit online using Apply Once. It will also check your entitlement for:

  • Council tax reduction
  • second adult rebate
  • Council tax discounts and exemptions
  • free school meals
  • school clothing grant
  • discretionary housing payments
  • disablement band reduction
  • garden aid
  • parking permit

Apply Once

Upload evidence

You can upload documents online:

If your circumstances change

You must report changes immediately to avoid overpayments. Examples include:

  • change of address
  • people moving in or out
  • starting or stopping work
  • changes in income, savings, childcare or benefits
  • health condition changes
  • you must report if you are going to be temporarily absent from Great Britain (Scotland, England or Wales) for 4 weeks or more
  • you must also report if you are going to be temporarily absent from your main dwelling for 13 weeks or more, even if you remain within Great Britain

Report a change in circumstances

Read our guidance on change of circumstances

Page last modified: 3 February 2026