Supported exempt accommodation (specified accommodation)

Changes from October 2026

If you live in supported or temporary accommodation you could be better off when you start work or increase your hours, under government plans starting 5 October.

The change affects how housing benefit is worked out for working-aged people in supported housing and temporary accommodation. You should be able to keep more of what you earn.

What this means for you

If you live in supported or temporary accommodation and get housing benefit, you’ll be able to earn more before your benefit starts to go down.

If you start work or increase your hours, you should keep more of your money.

The government has not said exactly how much extra people could keep. How much you benefit will depend on things like your:

• Earnings
• Hours worked
• Household circumstances
• Housing costs
• Other benefits you receive

The changes start on 5 October 2026 and will make housing benefit work more like Universal Credit.

You don’t need to apply. If you live in Aldershot or Farnborough, we will apply the new rules automatically.

Why this is changing

The current rules can mean people in supported housing lose housing benefit quickly when they start earning.

This can make taking a job, promotion or extra hours feel like it’s not worth it financially. This is sometimes called a benefits cliff edge, where earning more can suddenly reduce support.

Some supported housing providers were also worried about rental income, which could make residents feel discouraged from working more.

How to apply for supported exempt or other specified accommodation status

Only the landlord or property owner can apply for supported exempt or other specified accommodation status.

To do this, you need to contact our Benefits team using the contact details on this page.

Supported exempt accommodation (specified accommodation category 1)

To count as supported exempt accommodation, all the following must apply:

• The accommodation is provided by an English non-metropolitan council, a housing association, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, or a registered charity
• The care, support and supervision is provided by the accommodation provider (the landlord) or by someone acting on the accommodation provider's behalf
• The level of care, support and supervision is more than minimal

Other types of specified accommodation

There are three other categories of specified accommodation:

Managed properties (specified accommodation category 2)

Managed properties are where an organisation or individual other than the accommodation provider (landlord) provides care, support and supervision. The claimant must have entered the accommodation to get care, support and supervision.

Refuges (specified accommodation category 3)

These provide temporary housing. plus care and support. for people escaping domestic violence.

Hostels (specified accommodation category 4)

These provide temporary, short-term housing for people who need care, support and supervision.