What Is Housing Benefit?

Housing benefit will help you pay your rent

Housing benefit is paid by the council and is based upon the level of rent, income, savings and personal circumstances of yourself and those living in your household. If you live in privately rented accommodation your housing benefit is also based on the size of the property you need and where the property is located.

You do not need to be in receipt of welfare benefits to receive housing benefit; you may also receive it if you are on a low income.

It is sometimes called rent rebate, rent allowance or local housing allowance and can be claimed whether you pay your rent to the council, a Housing Association or a private landlord. You can also claim if you are a lodger, joint tenant or live in a hostel.

NOTE: It will not help you pay your mortgage. In this situation you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions.

Contact us

By telephone

020 7525 1880 - housing and council tax benefit
020 7525 1850 - council tax

By post

Council Tax Section
London Borough Of Southwark
P.O. Box 782
Bromley
BR1 3YE

Please indicate which department your query is for.

In person

Bermondsey One Stop Shop
Spa Road
Bermondsey
SE16 3QN

Peckham One Stop Shop
Ground Floor
Peckham Library
122 Peckham Hill Street
SE15 5JR

Walworth One Stop Shop
151 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1RY

Dulwich Area Housing Office
41-43 East Dulwich Road
Dulwich
SE22 9BY

All one stop shops are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. In addition, Peckham one stop shop is open on Saturday, 9am to 1pm.

By email

Housing/council tax benefit: souhousingbenefitsuk@liberata.com
Council tax: Soucounciltaxuk@Liberata.com