Advice for DSS tenants?

You will need a deposit yes, but you do not have to tell the landlord you are on benefits, as it is paid direct to you now. Although, the time it takes for a claim to go through, you may aswell be honest as you probably wont be paid for up to 6 weeks, so the landlord wont receive any money until this time. But i would find out from the housing benefits how much they will pay first as its different for everyone depending on your cirstances, and you may not get enough to cover your rent.