In supported and housing association lettings, what the resident pays is often a weekly service charge rather than rent, because most housing costs are covered by benefits. Being clear about the split helps residents and speeds up their claims.
How the costs are usually split
- Rent and eligible service charges (for example, cleaning and maintaining shared areas, some housing management) are housing costs.
- In exempt or specified accommodation, these housing costs are paid by Housing Benefit from the council, not through Universal Credit. The resident's Universal Credit covers their living costs.
- Ineligible charges (such as utilities in the resident's room, meals, laundry or personal costs) can't be paid by Housing Benefit. The resident pays these, usually as the weekly service charge.
What residents need
- Most residents will be on Universal Credit for their living costs, with their rent and eligible charges paid by Housing Benefit. SocialRooms shows service-charge rooms as needing Universal Credit plus one other benefit.
- Help residents claim Housing Benefit from the council on day one, and keep evidence of the support you provide.
Listing on SocialRooms
- Choose per week as the price, and enter the amount the resident pays.
- SocialRooms shows it as a service charge, not rent, with a note explaining how the rent is paid.
- Say exactly what the service charge covers, and describe the support or coaching.
- Tick the benefits that apply, and say whether you take self-referrals.
Licensing and regulation
Supported exempt accommodation is coming under new oversight in England, including local licensing schemes linked to Housing Benefit. See exempt and transitional housing explained for the latest.