•If you own or are buying your home, or you are a long leaseholder, entitled to income support (IS), income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) or pension credit, your benefit can include help with a variety of housing costs, such as ground rent and service charges.

•Your benefit cannot include help with your mortgage or other loan – eg, for repairs or improvements. Instead, the DWP may offer you a loan.

•If you are entitled to IS, JSA or ESA, you may not get help with your housing costs during an initial ‘waiting period’.