Can I Claim Housing Benefit for Two Homes?

Sometimes you can claim Housing Benefit for two homes. You will usually only be able to claim this for a limited time. Reasons why you might need to claim benefit on two homes could be because:

• you cannot avoid it - you will need to show that you had to accept the tenancy on your new home before your old tenancy ran out
• you are waiting for adaptations - if you or a member of your family is disabled and you are waiting for your new home to be adapted
• you left your home because of fear of violence - if you have moved because of violence or abuse in your old home. The violence and abuse does not need to be caused by a family member, it could be fear of violence from your neighbours
• your family is too big for one home - if you have been placed in two homes because a big enough single property could not be found.

If any of these apply to you, please complete the Housing Benefit on two homes form. Alternatively, you can let us know when completing our online moving home form (Register to Pay Council Tax or tell us you have moved). Both forms are available in the online services section.