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If you think you may be entitled to housing benefit, you should claim as soon as possible. Housing benefit is usually awarded from the Monday following the date of your application.
You will only get housing benefit if you apply using the ‘Housing Benefit Application Form'.
Where can I get a form?
You can get Housing benefit application form (HB1) from:
You can also telephone NIHE's Housing Benefit enquiries line on 03448 920 902. You can also download the form. Guidance on completing the application is available from the Housing Executive's website.
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Completing the application form
Complete the form with careful attention. Your housing benefit may be delayed if:
- you don't complete the form accurately,
- you don't give the Housing Executive all the information it needs.
If you are a Housing Executive tenant, you may not have to complete parts 11 and 13 in the form. It is important that you read the form carefully and follow the instructions.
If you are renting privately, get your landlord to complete the Certificate of Occupation in the centre of the form.
If you do not answer all of the questions that apply to you or your answers are unclear, it may take the Housing Executive longer to calculate how much housing benefit you are entitled to.
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What do I have to give to the Housing Executive?
The Housing Executive won't be able to complete your application if you don't return:
- a completed ‘Housing benefit application form',
- proof of identity,
- proof of income.
If you rent from a private landlord you will also need to get your landlord to complete the Certificate of Occupation.
Proof of identity
The Housing Executive will accept:
- a valid Northern Ireland driving licence,
- your current passport,
- electoral identity card.
If none of these are available, the Housing Executive will accept two or more of the following:
- your benefit book,
- your birth certificate,
- credit card statment,
- your marriage certificate,
- your divorce or annulment papers,
- EU member state identity card,
- UK residency permit,
- medical card,
- insurance policies,
- gas, electricity or telephone bills in your name and issued in the last quarter to your address,
- wage slip from your current employer.
Proof of income
- wage slips,
- benefit books,
- bank statements,
- a letter from you bank or building society confirming the details of your savings.
Certificate of Occupation
If you rent privately you should get your landlord to complete the Certificate of Occupation. You won't need to get a ‘Certificate of Occupation' if:
- you are a Housing Executive tenant,
- you are a housing association tenant,
- you are living in temporary accommodation.
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My landlord won't complete the Certificate of Occupation
Return your ‘Housing benefit application form' even if your landlord refuses to sign it. The Housing Executive should still accept your application if you include:
Get advice if the Housing Executive is refusing to accept your application because your landlord won't sign the Certificate of Occupation.
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Where should I return the form?
If you are claiming income support, jobseeker's allowance, employment and support allowance (income related) or pension credit (guarantee element), you should return the form to the Jobs and Benefits Office which you attend. You may also send this form to your local Housing Executive District Office.
If you are working or receiving any other benefits, including pension credit (savings element), you should return this form directly to your local Housing Executive District Office.
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