Housing Benefit is a type of financial support provided by local councils to help people on low income pay their rent. It is part of the UK’s welfare system and is mainly intended for those who cannot afford their housing costs. Over recent years, many aspects of Housing Benefit have been replaced by Universal Credit, but some people still receive it directly, especially in certain situations like pension age claimants, people in supported housing, or those who have not yet been moved to Universal Credit.
Why the Age 35 Rule Exists
In the UK, housing benefit rules for single people change significantly depending on age. Traditionally, those under 35 who are single and renting privately could only claim the ‘Shared Accommodation Rate’ (SAR), meaning their Housing Benefit or housing costs element of Universal Credit would cover only the cost of a room in a shared house rather than a full one-bedroom flat. The idea behind this was to encourage younger single people to share housing and reduce overall costs to the public purse. However, once a person reaches 35, they become eligible for the higher ‘One Bedroom Rate’ under Local Housing Allowance rules, allowing more support for independent living.
New DWP Rules for Single People Aged 35+
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently updated its guidance on housing benefit eligibility for single claimants aged 35 and over. Under the new rules, certain exceptions and additional conditions have been clarified, especially for people in temporary accommodation, supported housing, or with disabilities. The changes aim to ensure that people who genuinely need their own space—due to age, vulnerability, or health reasons—can receive the appropriate housing costs without being unfairly restricted to shared accommodation rates.
Who Will Be Affected by These Changes
The changes primarily affect single people aged 35 and over who rent from private landlords and are either on Housing Benefit or receiving the housing element through Universal Credit. This includes:
- Those who have just turned 35 and are moving from the Shared Accommodation Rate to the One Bedroom Rate.
- People already over 35 but whose rent has increased, requiring recalculation of their housing benefit.
- Claimants in temporary or supported housing whose circumstances have recently changed.
Impact on Housing Costs Coverage
For many single people over 35, the new rules mean their Housing Benefit could now cover a larger share of their rent. This is because the One Bedroom Rate under Local Housing Allowance is generally higher than the Shared Accommodation Rate. However, this also depends on where you live, as LHA rates vary across the UK based on local rental markets. Areas with higher rent, such as London, Manchester, or Brighton, may still see a shortfall between the benefit amount and actual rent, meaning claimants will need to cover the gap from other income.
Exceptions for Under-35s That Still Apply
While this article focuses on those aged 35+, it’s worth noting that certain under-35 claimants are also entitled to the One Bedroom Rate. These include people with severe disabilities, care leavers under 22, and those who have spent time in hostels for homeless people. The new DWP guidance has clarified that these exceptions remain in place and will not be affected by the changes for the 35+ group.
How to Apply for the Updated Housing Benefit
If you are over 35 and believe you qualify for a higher Housing Benefit rate under the new rules, the process usually starts with your local council or, if you’re on Universal Credit, through your online UC account. You will need:
- Proof of age (such as passport, driving licence, or birth certificate)
- Details of your tenancy agreement and rent costs
- Proof of income and savings
- Evidence of any special circumstances (medical letters, support worker statements, etc., if relevant)
Once submitted, your claim will be reassessed, and if you are eligible, your Housing Benefit should be increased accordingly.
Possible Payment Delays
While the new DWP rules are meant to provide faster adjustments, many local councils still face processing backlogs. This could mean that even if you are entitled to a higher rate, it might take weeks or months for your payments to reflect the change. It is important to submit all required documents promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Advice for Those Facing a Shortfall
Even with the increased Housing Benefit rate for over-35s, some renters will still find that their benefit does not fully cover their rent. If this happens, you can:
- Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from your local council
- Negotiate with your landlord for a reduced rent
- Seek financial advice from charities like Citizens Advice or Shelter
These options can provide temporary or long-term solutions to cover housing costs.
Common Misunderstandings About the 35+ Rule
One common misunderstanding is that you automatically receive more Housing Benefit the moment you turn 35. In reality, you often need to notify your council or Universal Credit office to trigger a reassessment. Another misconception is that the rule applies to social housing tenants—it mainly affects private renters. Social housing rents are generally lower and calculated differently, so the 35+ rule is less relevant there.
How Location Affects Your Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit amounts for private renters are calculated based on Local Housing Allowance rates, which vary widely across the UK. For example, in a low-rent area of northern England, the One Bedroom Rate might cover the full cost of a flat, while in parts of London it might not even cover half. Understanding your local LHA rate is key to budgeting effectively, especially if you are planning to move.
Long-Term Impact of the New DWP Rules
By clarifying and adjusting the rules for over-35 single claimants, the DWP aims to make housing support fairer and more consistent. This could help reduce homelessness among older single people and improve stability for those struggling with private rent. However, the real impact will depend on how effectively the rules are implemented by local councils and how quickly claimants receive the increased payments.
Final Thoughts
The new DWP housing benefit rules for single people aged 35+ are a significant change for many renters across the UK. While the increased support could make independent living more affordable, claimants should be proactive in checking their eligibility and applying for the higher rate. Housing costs remain a major challenge in many areas, so understanding how these rules work can make a big difference to your financial stability.
