Retirement
How much help could you get with your rent?
For pension-age claims — a quick estimate before you apply.
Housing Benefit calculator (pension age)
For people over State Pension age — new working-age claims go through Universal Credit instead
State Pension, private pensions, earnings and most other benefits combined.
If you're in private rented housing, this may be capped at your area's Local Housing Allowance rate.
Rent covered?
✓ In full
Estimated weekly Housing Benefit
£150
Annual equivalent
£7,800
Simplified estimate for pension-age claims only — doesn't account for non-dependant deductions (other adults living with you), Local Housing Allowance caps for private renters, or supported/temporary accommodation rules. If you're already getting Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, your eligible rent is typically covered in full regardless of this calculation. Apply at gov.uk/housing-benefit or through your local council.
Housing Benefit as a standalone benefit is now mostly closed to new claims — if you're under State Pension age, help with rent comes through Universal Credit's housing element instead (worth checking our Universal Credit estimator if that's you). But if you've reached State Pension age, you can still make a new Housing Benefit claim directly. If your income is at or below the same threshold used for Pension Credit, your eligible rent is covered in full; above that, support tapers away at 65p for every £1 over the threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Can working-age people still claim Housing Benefit?
Generally no — new working-age claims go through Universal Credit's housing element instead. Housing Benefit is now mainly for people over State Pension age.
How much Housing Benefit will I get as a pensioner?
If your income is at or below the Pension Credit threshold, your eligible rent is typically covered in full; above that, support reduces by 65p for every £1 of extra income.