Renters and home owners on a low income might be entitled to Housing Benefit, Rate Relief or both to help pay housing costs. Applications are made to NIHE. Anyone entitled to Universal Credit can no longer make a claim for Housing Benefit for rent or rates and must claim the new benefit instead.

More information about Housing Benefit and Rate Relief can be accessed at nidirect:

• Housing Benefit and Rate Relief for tenants
• Housing Benefit and Rate Relief for homeowners
• Apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief as a homeowner
• How much Housing Benefit and Rate Relief a homeowner can get
• Housing Benefit Rate Relief claim form for owner occupiers
• Housing Benefit and Rate Relief guidance notes for owner occupiers
• Housing Benefit and Rate Relief for students
• Extended payment of Housing Benefit/Rate Relief
• Change of circumstances and suitable evidence

Social Sector Size Criteria (also known as the Bedroom Tax) limits the amount of Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Housing Costs Element paid to tenants in social housing if they have more bedrooms than they are considered to need. Mitigations are available for people on Housing Benefit affected by the Bedroom Tax.

More information about the Bedroom Tax can be accessed at nidirect:

• Changes to Housing Benefit
• How much Universal Credit you will get: If you rent your home

Lone Pensioner Allowance is a 20% discount for ratepayers aged 70 or over who live alone. The allowance is not means-tested and should not impact on other benefits.

More information about the Lone Pensioner Allowance, as well as an application form, can be accessed at nidirect:

• Lone Pensioner Allowance
• Lone Pensioner Allowance application form

Rate Rebate is a reduction in rates liability for homeowners and tenants receiving Universal Credit. It is paid in different ways depending on whether the claimant is a homeowner, housing association, NIHE or private tenant, but is never paid direct to the claimant. To get Rate Rebate, tenants and homeowners must apply online to Land & Property Services (LPS).

More information about Rate Rebate and details about creating an account can be accessed at nidirect:

• Homeowners and tenants applying for Rate Rebate
• Rate Rebate factsheet
• Getting help with your Rate Rebate claim
• Create or log in to a Rate Rebate account
• Landlord Rate Rebate account
• Report a change in circumstances for Rate Rebate

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a loan offered to homeowners on some income-related benefits to help with mortgage interest payments. It is paid direct to the mortgage lender. SMI must be repaid with interest when the homeowner sells or transfers ownership of the property, providing there is enough money left from the sale to cover the loan.

More information about SMI, as well as an application form, can be accessed at nidirect:

• Support for Mortgage Interest
• Mortgage Interest Run On
• Help with housing costs form MI12