1. Benefit support available
Universal Credit
Universal Credit has replaced Housing Benefit and a range of other welfare benefits for most working age people. If you are working age and do not fall into any of the categories below you will need to claim Universal Credit for help with any housing costs.
You should only apply for Housing Benefit if you:
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live in certain supported accommodation; or
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have reached pension age. You can check whether this applies to you by clicking on the link to the state pension age calculator; or
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are part of a couple, one of you has reached state pension age. But only if you were claiming Housing Benefit or state pension credit (as a couple) before 15 May 2019; or
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you are homeless and the council has placed you in temporary accommodation. (from 11 April 2018)
If you do not fall into any of the categories above you will need to claim Universal Credit for help with your rent. More information about Universal Credit is available online.
For help with your Council Tax you will still need to claim Council Tax Support from the council.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit for people on a low income to help them pay their rent. A means test is a check on your financial situation.
You may be able to get Housing Benefit if you are on other benefits, work part-time, work full-time or are on a low income.
By rent we mean the payments you make to live in your home.
You can claim Housing Benefit from us if you rent your home from:
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a private landlord or letting agency
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a housing association
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a charity
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the council
You can still claim Council Tax Support even if you own your home, but you won't be able to claim Housing Benefit. If you own your own home, you may still be entitled to help with your mortgage payments. Visit the Department of Work and Pensions website for information.
Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support is a local means tested scheme for people on a low income to help them pay their Council Tax bill. You may be able to get Council Tax Support if you are on other benefits, work part-time or work full-time on a low income.
You must be liable to pay Council Tax to apply for Council Tax Support.
You can find full details of the scheme in our Council Tax Reduction Scheme Policy document.
Housing Payments
If you are struggling with housing related costs, you may wish to apply for a Housing Payment.
Housing Payments form part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund and replaces Discretionary Housing Payments from 1 April 2026.
Housing Payments are not payments of benefit. They are separate payments made at our discretion, if we believe you need extra financial support.
What a Housing Payment can help with
Housing Payments may be awarded to cover all or part of a shortfall in your rent or to help with the cost of taking up a new tenancy. Awards can also be considered for:
- Rent deposits
- Rent in advance
- Other lump-sum costs associated with a housing need.
Who can apply for a Housing Payment
You can apply if you currently receive either of these benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- The housing costs element of Universal Credit
and you need more financial support with a housing related cost.
How to apply
To apply please use our online form Apply for DHP - Eligibility - My Exeter
You may be asked to provide additional information in support of your application. This will also be used to tailor any support and guidance we offer.
Please note, references to Discretionary Housing Payment in the form mean Housing Payment from 1 April 2026.
Council Tax - Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF)
This fund has been set up to support our most vulnerable customers. Those who are having difficulties paying their Council Tax due to the shortfall between their Council Tax liability and payments of Council Tax Support.
EHF payments are set up to provide short term relief and should not be seen as a long term solution to debt problems.
To apply please use our EHF online application form.
Please see our Exceptional Hardship policy.