We’re committed to helping you access the benefits and welfare support you're entitled to. Whether you're facing financial hardship, housing challenges, or changes in your circumstances, we’re here to support you. We know that understanding what you’re entitled to and how to apply can be overwhelming, but there are resources to help:

Understanding benefits 

We’ve included information about some benefits and other charges that might affect you. Expand each item to find out more. 

Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit? 

Universal Credit is a monthly payment from the UK government to help people with their living costs. It’s designed for those who are: 

  • On a low income 

  • Out of work 

  • Unable to work due to health or caring responsibilities 

It replaces six older benefits, including Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Tax Credits. 

How to Claim 

You can apply online by visiting www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim  

Housing Benefit

What is Housing Benefit? 

Housing Benefit is a government payment that helps people on a low income pay their rent. While most new claims are now handled through Universal Credit, Housing Benefit is still available to: 

  • People over State Pension age 

  • Those living in supported, sheltered, or temporary accommodation 

  • Existing claimants who haven’t transitioned to Universal Credit yet. 

What does it cover? 

Housing Benefit can help with: 

  • Rent payments 

  • Some service charges (e.g. cleaning shared areas) 

  • In some cases, Discretionary Housing Payments may be available if Housing Benefit doesn’t cover full rent  

How to claim 

You usually apply through your Local Authority. The process may be online, by phone, or in person depending on your Local Authorities arrangements. 

Bedroom tax

The Bedroom Tax, officially known as the under-occupancy charge, is a UK welfare policy that reduces the amount of Housing Benefit, or the housing element of Universal Credit for social housing tenants, who are deemed to have more bedrooms than they need. 

How is it calculated? 

If you're affected, your benefit will be reduced by: 

  • 14% of your eligible rent for 1 spare bedroom 

  • 25% for 2 or more spare bedrooms 

Who Is Exempt? 

You may be exempt if: 

  • You or your partner is over State Pension age 

  • You’re an approved foster carer 

  • You or a household member needs a separate room due to disability 

  • A household member is away temporarily (e.g. Armed Forces, full-time student). 

For further advice about exemptions, you should contact your Local Authority. 

Pension Credit

What Is Pension Credit? 

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age (currently 66), designed to boost income for those on a low income. It comes in two parts: 

Guarantee Credit – tops up your weekly income to a minimum level 

Savings Credit – provides extra money if you’ve saved modestly for retirement (only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016) 

What Does It Include? 

If eligible, Pension Credit can help with: 

  • Weekly income top-ups 

  • Housing costs (e.g. ground rent, service charges) 

  • Council Tax reductions 

In addition you may be eligible for: 

  • Free NHS dental treatment and prescriptions 

  • Winter Fuel Payments 

  • Free TV licence (if aged 75+) 

  • Cold Weather Payments. 

Who can claim? 

  • You may qualify if you: 

  • Are aged 66 or over 

  • Live in England, Scotland, or Wales 

  • Have a low income and/or limited savings 

  • Meet residency and immigration requirements 

How to claim 

You can apply: 

  • By phone: Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 

  • By post: Request or download a claim form and send it to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3 

Benefit Cap

What Is the Benefit Cap? 

The Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefits a household can receive if you're of working age (under State Pension age). It applies to most people receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

For further advice visit Benefit cap: Benefits affected by the cap - GOV.UK  

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

What are DHPs? 

Discretionary Housing Payments are extra financial support provided by your Local Authority to help cover housing costs when your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element doesn’t meet your full rent. 

DHPs are not benefits and are awarded at the Local Authorities discretion based on your individual circumstances. 

How to apply 

You must apply through your Local Authority. Each will have it’s own process, but you’ll usually need to: 

  • Complete an application form 

  • Explain why you need help 

  • Provide evidence of your income, rent, and financial hardship 

Who can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments? 

You can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment if you: 

  • Are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit 

  • Are struggling to pay your rent or housing costs 

  • Need help due to financial hardship, benefit reductions (e.g. Bedroom Tax or Benefit Cap), or moving costs 

Speak to us  

If you need some help with your benefits, talk to us and we will help where we can or signpost you to a specialist. 

  • Call us on 03000 120 120 
  • Email act@alliancehomes.org.uk  
  • Send us a message in Connect, our customer portal, or through Live Chat on our website. 
  • Send us a letter or visit us at Alliance Homes, 40 Martingale Way, Portishead, BS20 7AW