Housing Benefit is calculated using an applicable amount. This is a part of the means test.

The applicable amount is the amount of money the government believes you (and your partner) need to meet your necessary weekly costs. The actual amount is dependent on the size and circumstances of your family.

We subtract your applicable amount away from your total weekly income, and any remaining income is known as your excess income.

Applicable amounts are set by adding the following:

• your personal allowance
• personal allowance for any children you have
• any family or disability premium

Check your State Pension age