How much Housing Benefit you receive
Housing Benefit is means tested. The amount you receive depends on your household, your income and savings, and the amount your family receives in other benefits. The amount can also be affected by the number of bedrooms your household needs.
People who live with you
Adults who live with you, other than your partner, are known as non dependants. The government expects non dependants to contribute to your rent. A set amount is deducated from any Housing Benefit you receive, whether or not a dependant pays you this contribution.
Non dependant deductions for 2026 to 2027
The deduction is based on the non dependant's weekly gross income.
|
Category |
Deduction in Housing Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aged under 25 and on IS or JSA(IB) or ESA.A (IR) without a support or work-related activity component, or UC without earnings | £0 |
| Aged 25 or over and on IS or JSA(IB), or aged 18 or over and not in remunerative work | £20.40 |
| In receipt of main phase ESA(IR) - any age | £20.40 |
| In receipt of Pension Credit | £0 |
|
Age 18 or over and in remunerative work |
- |
|
Gross income: up to £182.99 |
£20.40 |
|
Gross income: £183.00 to £265.99 |
£46.85 |
|
Gross income: £266.00 to £347.99 |
£64.35 |
|
Gross income: £348.00 to £462.99 |
£105.20 |
|
Gross income: £463.00 to £576.99 |
£119.85 |
|
Gross income: £577.00 and above |
£131.45 |
| Non dependant aged 25 or over and entitled to UC | £20.40 |
| Lower deduction | £20.40 |
How bedroom needs are assessed
In 2013 the government introduced new rules that set out the number of bedrooms Housing Benefit will pay for if you rent your home. This is officially called removal of the spare room subsidy, but it is commonly known as bedroom tax.
How these rules affect your Housing Benefit
Your Housing Benefit may go down if you are assessed as having more bedrooms than your household needs. If you are under-occupying your home, your Housing Benefit will be reduced by:
- 14% of the total eligible rent if you have one spare bedroom
- 25% of the total eligible rent if you have two or more spare bedrooms
If you are thinking of moving, you should consider these reductions before you renew a tenancy or sign a new tenancy agreement.
Total amount of benefit received by your family
The government sets a limit on the total amount of benefits that working age people can receive if they are not working. This is known as the benefit cap. Only some households are affected.
War Pension local scheme disregard
Birmingham City Council runs a local scheme that disregards the full amount of any War Pension when we assess your Housing Benefit or Council Tax support.
Page last updated: 1 April 2026
