Housing benefit

Anyone wishing to claim housing benefit should go to the Gov.uk website.

Summary

Housing benefit provides support with the cost of rent for people who are unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. The amount awarded depends on factors including household income and savings, eligible rent, household circumstances and whether the home is rented privately or from a social landlord.

For most working-age households, housing benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit. New claims can generally only be made by people who have reached State Pension age or who live in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation. Other eligible households can usually claim help with housing costs through Universal Credit.

The latest figures are for February 2026.

Key figures

• In Lancashire-12, there were 24,625 housing benefit claimants. This was 4.4% of households (England = 5.1%).

• In Lancashire-14, there were 32,197 housing benefit claimants. This was 4.7% of households.

• Over recent years, the number of claimants has fallen in Lancashire-12 and nationally, largely due to universal credit replacing housing benefit for most working-age households. However, there was no change in the proportion of households claiming housing benefit compared to the previous month (4.4%).

• Those aged 65 and over accounted for 78.5% of claimants in Lancashire-12 (England 75.8%).

• Social rented households accounted for 74.4% of claimants in Lancashire-12 (England = 81.1%).

• The average weekly award amount in Lancashire-12 (£146.74) was lower than England (£164.58).

Page updated 4 September 2026