What is the means test?
The means test is an assessment of your household's total income. Your council uses it to calculate two things: whether you qualify for HAP at all, and how much rent contribution you pay directly to the council each week.
HAP itself pays your landlord. You pay a differential rent (your contribution) to the council. The higher your income, the higher your contribution — but the council still covers the rest up to the HAP limit.
What counts as income — and what doesn't
✓ Counted
- Employment wages (gross)
- Self-employment income
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Back to Education Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Disability Allowance
- Part-time work income
- Rental income from other property
✗ Not counted
- Child Benefit
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Fuel Allowance
- Living Alone Allowance
- Back to School Clothing Allowance
- Exceptional Needs Payments
- Income of dependent children
How your contribution is calculated
Each council uses a differential rent scheme. The exact calculation varies by council, but the general principle is the same: your weekly rent contribution is a percentage of your net household income.
Example calculation
The council pays your landlord the full agreed rent. You pay your contribution to the council. The council covers the difference.
Related HAP guides
Need help with your HAP form?
Photograph it and get field-by-field guidance in your language — free, no account needed.
Scan my HAP form →