What does the Housing Benefit Calculator do?

Estimate Housing Benefit based on rent, LHA rate and income. Includes taper calculation. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.

Are benefit amounts accurate?

This calculator uses the published 2025/26 benefit rates. However, actual entitlements depend on a full assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and may differ from estimates.

How do I claim this benefit?

You can apply for most benefits through GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus. Some benefits require an online application; others may require a phone call or paper form.

Housing Benefit Calculator

Estimate Housing Benefit based on rent, LHA rate and income. Includes taper calculation.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Housing Benefit

Weekly Rent

LHA Rate (weekly)

Check at lha-direct.voa.gov.uk

Weekly Income

Estimated Weekly Housing Benefit

£194.14

£841.26/month

Weekly Rent	£200.00
LHA Cap	£230.00
Eligible Rent	£200.00
Income Taper (65%)	-£5.86
Housing Benefit	£194.14

Simplified estimate. Most new claims go through Universal Credit housing element. LHA rates vary by area and bedrooms.

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Housing Benefit helps with rent costs for people on low incomes who have not yet moved to Universal Credit. The amount you receive depends on your eligible rent, household size, income and savings. If your savings exceed £16,000 you are generally not eligible, and savings between £6,000 and £16,000 are treated as generating £1 per week per £250 (tariff income).

For private tenants, the maximum Housing Benefit is capped at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for your area and property size. LHA rates are set at the 30th percentile of local rents and vary significantly by postcode. You are entitled to one bedroom per adult couple, per person over 16, and per pair of children under 16 of the same sex.

Working-age claimants on Housing Benefit are being moved to Universal Credit. New claims are only accepted from people of State Pension age or in supported accommodation. This calculator estimates your potential entitlement based on current LHA rates and income rules.

Example: Single person, £150/week rent, £200/week income

LHA rate for 1-bed in local area: £160/week
Eligible rent (lower of actual and LHA): £150/week
Applicable amount (personal allowance): £90.50/week
Excess income: £200 - £90.50 = £109.50
Taper at 65%: £109.50 x 65% = -£71.18
Weekly Housing Benefit: £150 - £71.18 = £78.82

Source: GOV.UK — Housing Benefit

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Housing Benefit Calculator do?: Estimate Housing Benefit based on rent, LHA rate and income. Includes taper calculation. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Are benefit amounts accurate?: This calculator uses the published 2025/26 benefit rates. However, actual entitlements depend on a full assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and may differ from estimates.
How do I claim this benefit?: You can apply for most benefits through GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus. Some benefits require an online application; others may require a phone call or paper form.