Is there any way a couple can get LHA for 2 bedrooms?

pastmybest

One of my good friends neighbours are a couple aged around early 60's. One has been ill for many years and whilst not terminal it means they need to be in and out of bed, can't sleep, need to read or watch TV during the night, need regular pees, constantly toss and turn, sometimes need to medictae and generally totally disrupt their other half.

As they only have 1 bedroom for the last few months one sleeps in the lounge on a sofa bed but it is proving to be a real fiddle every day sorting this out.

She's on pension and he is claiming pension credits. This leads to LHA, etc. So my question is there any way they can move to a 2 bedroom place and claim for 2 bedrooms. I am sure their GP would support this with a letter?

DX2

If you are severely disabled, or live with a severely disabled partner, and have no dependent children, your benefit will be based on the one bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate.
https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Secure/FAQ.aspx#SeverelyDisabled

seven-day-weekend

Can they not have twin beds in the same room?

pastmybest

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Can they not have twin beds in the same room?

Lights on and off, nebuliser on and off, type of noise and movement issues. She has tried so many different ear plugs but none that good.

Caz3121

Although they only will qualify for the one bedroom rate there is nothing to stop them moving to a 2 bedroom place. They may be able to find one within the allowance or can top up the difference themselves

pastmybest

Caz3121 wrote: »

Although they only will qualify for the one bedroom rate there is nothing to stop them moving to a 2 bedroom place. They may be able to find one within the allowance or can top up the difference themselves

Yes thank you I will try and get this across to them.They are a lovely couple badly hit with health issues. The sort of issues that will not kill them but just have a major impact on their day to day life. Just been looking, with my friend, on Rightmove and seeing what is what.

I see even their 1 bedroom place is £100 PM over the LHA and think their children may be helping them out. Perhaps the kids can find a few bob more?

tanith

Have they tried applying to the local council for housing? The health issues may help as some but not all L/A provide housing for pensioners with health or other needs issues. Its worth investigating even if they have to wait a while it might be better in the long run..

pastmybest

tanith wrote: »

Have they tried applying to the local council for housing? The health issues may help as some but not all L/A provide housing for pensioners with health or other needs issues. Its worth investigating even if they have to wait a while it might be better in the long run..

Not sure on this but thanks for the thought.

fluffymovie

If they were to contact the LHA section and perhaps see if there was scope in the Discretionary Housing Scheme for assistance with the shortfall if they moved into a 2 bed? Unlikey that this would be for long (if awarded at all) and so they may find themselves in trouble later down the line?

Would definitely recommend that they get themselves on the Housing List ASAP

leemack

Some councils or paticularly housing associations will agree to house an over 60s couple in two bed accomodation. There are sometimes two beds in sheltered housing schemes.

As fluffymovie said Disc housing payments are short term 3-6 months.

They might try calling round Housing Assocations and the council to see what their policy is re Two bed and what the waiting lists are like.

ceridwen

I can certainly see that there is an obvious need for two bedrooms in these circumstances.

So - I also think its worth checking whether they could get public sector housing. Also - personally - I would check and see if there is any possibility of a doctors letter stating that 2 bedrooms are necessary for health reasons being beneficial (unless someone can actually produce an official DWP link stating that - even then - they wont pay out for it). Surely it must do SOME good if a doctor states its a necessity and lists the health effects on the partner of being made to share a bedroom in these circumstances.