Housing Benefit (Northern Ireland) - What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is money to help you with your housing costs if you are on a low income. It can help with rent, some service charges and also with rates.  Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit.  Please go to the 'Can I get Housing Benefit?' page of this guide for information on who can still claim.

If you qualify, Housing Benefit can be paid whether or not you are working.

Applies to: Northern Ireland

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, see our Housing Benefit (England, Scotland and Wales) guide.

Age rules: There are no age rules that affect Housing Benefit entitlement but you must be old enough to enter a tenancy agreement.

Type of benefit: Means-tested

Taxable: No
Administered by: Northern Ireland Housing Executive
 

Reviewed: February 2023