How housing benefit is calculated

If you're a pensioner

If you or your partner have capital between £10,000 and £16,000, the government regulations require that we assume a national income of £1 per week for every £500 (or part £500) over £10,000. This will be shown as 'capital income' on the benefit decision letter. Any capital below £10,000 is disregarded.

A claim covers any period in the three months before the day the claim is actually received but only back to the day of reaching pension credit age, or the day of becoming liable for rent if that is later. If you need to back date your claim you must show continuous 'good cause' for the delay in applying for benefit.