How housing benefit is paid
Council tenants will have their housing benefit credited directly to their housing rent account.
Housing Association tenants can choose from these options:
- direct to bank account
- via crossed-cheque
Private tenants can choose from these options:
- direct to bank account
- via crossed-cheque
You can have payments made direct to your landlord via either of the above two options and only if any of the below apply:
- you are unable to open a bank account because of an discharged bankruptcy or financial fraud
- you have an addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling, or have certain medical conditions
- you cannot read or write, speak English, or you have learning difficulties
- you are fleeing domestic violence, leaving care or leaving prison
- your landlord has agreed to reduce your rent if you have your local housing allowance paid directly to them
- your rent is eight weeks or more behind, we can pay directly.
