Pension age
Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
Northern Ireland has rates rather than council tax, and two different schemes to help pay them. Housing Benefit and Rate Relief — which nidirect files under Rates Housing Benefit and Rate Relief — is for people of pension age. If you are working age and entitled to Universal Credit you cannot use it — you need Rate Rebate, which is a separate application. Applying to the wrong one is the usual reason people get nowhere.
Quick facts
- Pension age
- Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
- Working age on UC
- Rate Rebate instead
- Homeowner capital limit
- £50,000
- Tenant savings limit
- £16,000 unless on Guarantee Credit
If you own your home
Homeowners who are pensioners can apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief to help pay all or some of their rates. The Housing Executive runs the scheme. If both you and your partner have reached pension age you must:
- not have capital over £50,000
- be an owner occupier
- not be in a co-ownership or rental buy scheme
- not already get Housing Benefit and Rate Relief from the Housing Executive
- not already get Universal Credit
If you rent
Tenants who are pensioners can claim for rent, rates and some service charges. You can claim whether you are a Housing Executive tenant, a housing association tenant, a private tenant, or living in a hostel, bed and breakfast, or as a boarder or lodger.
You cannot claim for meals, fuel charges or cleaning. And you cannot claim at all if you or your partner have savings over £16,000 (unless you are entitled to Guarantee Credit), if you rent from a close relative living in the same property, or if you are responsible for a child and pay rent to that child’s parent.
If you are on Universal Credit
You cannot claim Housing Benefit and Rate Relief for your rates if you are of working age and can claim or already get Universal Credit. You must apply for Rate Rebate instead. It is a different form and a different scheme, and nothing transfers automatically.
How to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
Have these ready:
- Details of you and your partner, if you have one
- Your and your partner's income, including benefits
- Your savings, shares and bank accounts
- Anyone you share ownership of your home with
Working age on Universal Credit? Use Rate Rebate
If you are working age and can get Universal Credit, apply for Rate Rebate instead.
Homeowners: send the form to the Housing Executive
Fill in the application form and send it to the Housing Executive with your supporting documents.
Tenants: apply to the Housing Executive
If you rent and are of pension age, apply to the Housing Executive for help with rent and rates.
Using a paper form? Phone them first
If you download the form, contact the Housing Executive straight away to say you want to claim.
Apply as soon as you can
Payment usually starts the Monday after the Housing Executive gets your application.
Send the evidence they ask for
You must give the Housing Executive extra evidence about your circumstances before they pay.
Time limit: Claimed late? Ask the Housing Executive to backdate it. Over Pension Credit age, it can go back up to three months.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Housing Benefit helpline (ask for a form)
- 03448 920 902
- Land & Property Services (Rate Rebate), if the online form fails
- 0300 200 7802
- Apply online (Housing Benefit and Rate Relief)
- Housing Executive online application form
- Rate Rebate, if you are on Universal Credit
- nidirect: Create or log in to a Rate Rebate account
- If you are refused
- Ask the Housing Executive to look at the decision again within one month of the decision letter, giving your reasons.
- If you still disagree: appeal
- After the Housing Executive reconsiders, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
From the official pages (nidirect.gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
Who can get Housing Benefit and Rate Relief in NI?
What is the capital limit for homeowners?
What is the savings limit for tenants?
Does Lone Pensioner’s Allowance affect it?
What cannot I claim Housing Benefit for?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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