Tenants and other people who rent their home can get housing benefit. We cannot help people who live with and pay rent to a close relative. If you have shared ownership with a housing association or a rental purchase scheme then you can also claim.

Housing benefit does not cover mortgage repayments but does cover some other housing costs like site charges for mobile homes and caravans, and mooring fees for houseboats. You may get help with mortgage repayments from the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you claim pension credit, income support or jobseekers allowance.

You may get help if you are on a low or modest income. It is worked out by looking at your:

• personal circumstances, eg if you have a partner (including opposite and same sex partners) or children who live with you
• household's income and savings

The lower your income the more help you can get from housing benefit. If you are sick or disabled you may be able to get more help from housing benefit.

Most full time students cannot claim housing benefit. If you are a 'person from abroad' you may not be able to claim. Most people with savings over £16,000 cannot get housing benefit. Some capital can be disregarded so contact us for more advice about this. People receiving pension credit guarantee credit are entitled to full housing benefit and council tax benefit regardless of savings.