How payments are made
Your claim will normally start from the Monday after we receive your application. If you are entitled to help, you will not receive your first payment until we have assessed your claim.
If you receive Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance (Income Based), or Employment Support Allowance, your benefit will normally start on the Monday after your benefit starts.
If you live in a council house, Housing Benefit will be paid directly to your rent account.
Private tenants
If you are a private tenant, 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
To request this, complete the safeguard referral form.