Last updated:
20th February 2026
Notification letters - Frequently Asked Questions
Why we sent this letter
The reason we have sent you a letter is shown next to the 'Reason For Calculation' heading. If the reason is 'annual uprating', this means there has been a change in your benefit due to the annual review of government benefits and allowances.
When your Housing Benefit starts
This is shown on the top half of the letter next to 'The Benefit Starts on'.
How much you are entitled to
“The Weekly Benefit Award” shows how much you are entitled to. This may not be the same as the amount we pay you per week.
How much you will receive
The 'Net Benefit Payable' shows the amount we pay per week. This may be less than your 'Weekly Benefit Award,' for example if you are repaying an overpayment.
When and how you’ll be paid
You will get paid every 2 or 4 weeks in arrears via BACS, or weekly to your rent account if you are a council tenant. In some cases, we can make payments directly to your landlord. Your notification letter shows how often your benefit is paid and where it is paid to.
How your entitlement has been worked out
The income and allowances used to calculate your benefit are shown in the bottom half of your letter.
How much rent you have to pay
You can see the difference between your eligible rent and the amount of benefit we are paying you in the top half of your letter next to 'Amount you must pay weekly'. If your Housing Benefit award is less than your rent, please contact your landlord to check you are paying the right amount to cover any shortfall.
