Payment options vary depending on whether you are a council or private tenant.

Payments to council tenants

Your benefit is paid at the start of the week your rent is due. The payment is made electronically into your rent account. You can request a balance of your rent account from your housing office.

Payments to private tenants

Benefit can be paid either to yourself or to your landlord or agent by bank cheque or by BACS transfer to a bank account.

All new private tenants are paid fortnightly or every four weeks in arrears. Landlords are paid four weekly in arrears.

If your Housing Benefit is worked out using the Local Housing Allowance your benefit will be paid directly to you. In exceptional circumstances it may be paid to your landlord.

Payments made to you by bank cheque

The first payment will be made in arrears, in the week in which your claim is processed and thereafter they are normally posted on a Tuesday* afternoon and are either made fortnightly or every four weeks.

If your Housing Benefit cheque is less than £500, you can cash it at the any of following branches of NatWest bank: 

• Eltham
• Greenwich
• Woolwich
• Blackheath
• Lewisham

Payments above £500 have to be paid into your bank account.

Payments made to you by BACS transfer

Payment is made directly into your bank account. The payment will appear in your account on the Friday* of the week in which it is due and will be made fortnightly or four weekly.

Payments to a landlord or agent by bank cheque

All payments are made every four weeks by crossed cheque which must be paid into a bank account. The first payment will be made the day following the assessment of the claim and thereafter they are normally posted on a Tuesday* afternoon.

Payments made to your landlord or agent by BACS transfer

Payment is made every four weeks in arrears and will appear in the account on the Friday* of the week in which it is due.

*Days occasionally change due to public holidays.

Making changes

To request a form for BACS payment or to change the post office where your benefit is currently paid, contact us at benefits@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or on 020 8921 4900, and ask for the assessment team that deals with your address. Alternatively, complete page 13 of the application form with your details when making or renewing your claim.

If you think a payment has gone missing

You should contact us straight away on 020 8921 4900 or in person at one of our service centres.

If you suspect a payment has been stolen you should also contact the police.