Rate Rebate for people on Universal Credit
Rate Rebate replaces Housing Benefit for rates for people entitled to Universal Credit. Homeowners living in their own home can claim it, as well as tenants. You apply online to Land & Property Services.
Who can claim
You must be entitled to Universal Credit, and be one of these:
- a homeowner living in your own home, including someone who is no longer the legal owner but has the right to live there
- a Housing Executive or housing association tenant
- a private tenant
You can't claim if you live in supported accommodation, already get Housing Benefit and Rate Relief, or are entitled to Pension Credit (unless your partner gets Universal Credit). You also can't claim if your landlord, or your landlord's partner, is your close relative and lives in the home.
Owner occupiers
Rate Rebate is in force for homeowners. If you own the home you live in and are entitled to Universal Credit, this is the scheme for help with your rates. You must be liable for the rates. If you qualify, LPS credits your rate account from the start date of the claim to 31 March, and does this every year until your circumstances change.
How to apply
- Create a Rate Rebate account online with your email address and a password, then activate it from the email LPS sends.
- Log in and fill in the claim.
Homeowners need their date of birth, National Insurance number, and details of any partner and of other joint owners living there. Tenants also need their tenancy reference (social housing), their landlord's or letting agent's contact details (private renting), and how many people live there. You'll need your postcode to find the property.
An official appointee can claim for someone else. Keep paying your rates until you get a decision.
Backdating: the three-month limit
Claim as soon as you're awarded Universal Credit. If you claim within three months of the award, LPS can backdate Rate Rebate to the date your Universal Credit entitlement started. After three months, it can't.
How it is paid
- Homeowners: credited to your rate account.
- Housing Executive and housing association tenants: paid monthly in arrears to your landlord.
- Private tenants: credited monthly in arrears to your landlord's rate account. If your home is valued over £150,000 and you pay the rates yourself, it is credited to your own rate account.
You don't receive Rate Rebate as money. Tell LPS about changes in your circumstances, or you may have to repay an overpayment.
Why this site does not estimate it
Rate Rebate depends on your Universal Credit circumstances, income and household, so it can't be worked out from a capital value. This site's calculator shows your full bill, which is the amount any rebate is taken from.
For help with a claim, contact the LPS Rate Rebate team on 0300 200 7802, or use the nidirect benefits calculator to see what else you might get.
Questions
Can homeowners get Rate Rebate?
Yes. If you are entitled to Universal Credit and own and live in your home, you can claim Rate Rebate. LPS credits it to your rate account.
How far back can Rate Rebate be backdated?
To the date your Universal Credit entitlement started, but only if you claim within three months of your Universal Credit award.
Can I get Rate Rebate on Pension Credit?
Not usually. You cannot claim if you are entitled to Pension Credit, unless your partner already gets Universal Credit. Look at Housing Benefit and Rate Relief instead.
Do I keep paying my rates while I wait?
Yes. Keep paying until you get a decision on your Rate Rebate claim.
Sources
Read on 2 November 2026. This guide explains the rules in plain words. It isn't legal or financial advice, and the decision on your bill is LPS's.