HB and Severe Disability
ger02006
Posts: 3 Newbie
I became ill 2011. Awarded ESA Support Group, DLA Care Highest and Mobility Lowest level. Awarded HB and CTB. I get disability benefits because of complex mental health issues which mean I cannot share my home nor am I well enough to move house (I'd like to move house if I were well enough as this home has too many bad memories and adds to my mental problems but the stress of moving and not being able to afford anywhere in a 'safe area' means I prefer to stay put if at all possible). Letter from landlord (I rent a 'council house') said I would lose about £22 per week HB under new rules. Will I have to make up the fall in HB from my other benefits? Is there any protection for disabled tenants?
Many thanks for any advice you can offer.
Many thanks for any advice you can offer.
0
Comments
-
Hello ger02006
Your housing association are quite right the new rules mean that if you occupy a property which is larger than your needs then you will not get housing benefit to cover the full amount. In your case this seems to be because you are a single person occupying a two bed roomed property.
This link explains the special circumstances under which you may be exempt from the rules although they are very restrictive.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_help_if_on_a_low_income_ew/help_with_your_rent_-_housing_benefit/housing_benefit_cuts_for_social_housing_tenants_from_april_2013/circumstances_which_can_affect_whether_your_housing_benefit_is_cut_because_your_social_housing_is_too_large.htm
If you are not exempt from the rules then your options are to move to somewhere smaller, get a lodger or pay the shortfall from your existing income. You do not say how old you are but this rule does not apply to people of pensionable age so if you are close to this it may not be for too long.
You may also be able to talk to your landlord about other options such as a smaller property as there will be a number of people in your position“Official CAB Representative
I am an official representative of CAB. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to questions on the CAB Board. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. If you believe I’ve broken any rules please report my post to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com as usual"0 -
Could you get a member of family to lodge with you to help with the rent.make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
and we will never, ever return.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 343K Banking & Borrowing
- 250K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 449.6K Spending & Discounts
- 235.1K Work, Benefits & Business
- 607.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 173K Life & Family
- 247.7K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards