22 February 2023
by DK
Can Foster Carers Claim Housing Benefit?
Claiming Housing Benefit as a foster carer is possible. Find out details about eligibility and how you can start your application.
As a foster carer in the UK, you are entitled to a weekly allowance. The range of this allowance depends on several factors.
The fostering allowance that you receive doesn’t count as income. This means that you can apply for and claim Housing Benefit. However, you have a legal obligation to inform the organisation that you are receiving fostering allowance.
About Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is a regular payment made by the government to support low-income earners to pay for their accommodation. Currently, it is being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit.
Eligibility
You are eligible to receive Housing Benefit if:
- You have reached the State Pension Age
- You live in supported or temporary housing
You will not be eligible to receive Housing Benefit if:
- You have savings over of £16,000
- You are living in a house of a close relative
- You are a full-time student
- You are residing in the UK as an asylum seeker
- You are claiming Universal Credit.

What will you get?
Depending on your circumstance, you may get all or part of your rent. There is no set amount for Housing Benefit. Broadly, the amount that you get depends on whether you are renting from a council or privately.
Council and social housing rent
You will receive your benefit depending on:
- Your ‘eligible’ rent calculated as rent plus any service charges
- Availability of a spare room
- Household income
- Your circumstances

Private rent
The amount that you receive when you are renting privately can either be your actual rent or the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate, whichever is lower. Factors that affect the LHA rate are the place you live and the size of your household.
The amount that you get depends on:
- The lower figure of your LHA rate or ‘eligible’ rent
- Your household income
- Your circumstances.
Summary
Personal circumstances will determine if you are eligible for Housing Benefit. You can contact us if you want more information about your personal circumstances as a foster carer and your eligibility to claim Housing Benefit.