How long for a Housing Benefit Application

danielley

Hello there,

If I was to apply for Housing Benefit, assuming I am successful, how long before I would receive a payment?

Does it vary from area to area?

Thanks

Jowo_2

Yes, they vary from area to area, and if the applicant has submitted all the correct info.

If the council have not processed it and you have supplied all the relevant info, you can request after 14 days an interim housing benefit payment, I believe.

danielley

Thank Jowo.

The applicant does not have a bank account, does anyone know if this would affect the applicition?

Jowo_2

I wonder whether my previous response applied to those living in private property as a private tenant.

By 'housing benefit', do you mean to say you are a social housing tenant, living in a council or housing association property?

Local Housing allowance for private tenants is usually paid directly to the tenant and does require a bank account. Housing benefit paid to social housing tenants goes to the social landlord directly. LHA was introduced a few years ago and all new claims come under this for private sector tenants.

Apologies for any confusion. The Shelter website, or your local council website, may explain better how/when it is paid.

Hammyman

After 14 days you can ask for a payment "on account" under Regulation 91 whilst they make the final decision.

danielley

It is private rented and the local council have confirmed that my relative will need to have a bank account, but the first payment can be made in cheque format as they understand the catch 22 of setting up a bank account / needing proof of address.

Thanks all very much.