When and how is housing benefit paid?
Information for private landlords
Housing benefit is usually paid from the Monday following the date we receive the claim.
Payments are usually made direct to your tenant and can be either by crossed cheque or by BACS and, since 1996, have been paid in arrears.
If your tenant's entitlement started on or after 7th April 2008, and they ask us to pay you, we will normally be unable to meet this request. There are exceptions to this rule for vulnerable tenants, and more information can be found in the authority's safeguards policy.
If you already receive housing benefit on behalf of your tenant, this will continue unless your tenant asks us to pay them direct, or they have a break in entitlement.
Housing benefit can be paid to you without your tenant's consent if they are eight weeks or more in arrears with their rent, and you write and let us know.
Even where we pay housing benefit direct to you, always remember that the entitlement is still your tenant's.
Last updated 12/04/2012