The Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987

Time and manner of payment

88.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and regulations 90 to 97 (frequency of payment of rent allowance, and payment on account of a rent allowance, payment provisions, offsetting) the appropriate authority shall pay housing benefit to which a person is entitled under these Regulations at such time and in such manner as is appropriate, having regard to–

(a) the times at which and the frequency with which a person’s liability to make payment of rent or rates arises, and

(b) the reasonable needs and convenience of the person entitled thereto.

(2) Where a person’s entitlement to housing benefit is less than £1 weekly the appropriate authority may pay that benefit at 6 monthly intervals.

(3) Subject to regulations 91 to 96 (payment on account of rent allowance, payment provisions) every authority shall make the first payment of any housing benefit awarded by it within 14 days of the receipt of the claim at the designated office or, if that is not reasonably practicable, as soon as possible thereafter.