I think you're missing my point. 

Yes I know I won't qualify for housing benefit, but I will have to move as I won't be able to afford to stay here, regardless of it being my family home, and no, I know i won't have to pay rent, but I will have to pay for maintenance and on a 200+ year old house it's an ongoing money-pit, (and pay full council tax), which if I was in rented accomodation it would all be sorted out at no cost to me. I won't be able to argue about what I need or want, it will be what I can afford, with no help from the state. I don't have a choice, so forgive me if I'm not very sympathetic with those on benefits who just don't want to move. 

The disabled are a different matter if they need an additional room, this is taken into account, if it is a genuine need.

Yes I will get the state pension, I would hope so too after having paid in for 40+ years!

I could rent out a room, but in a very rural area with high unemployment and no public transport, I doubt it would be appealing even if I felt comfortable in doing it, which I don't.