Confused about housing benefit as i'm a lodger

unclekevin

Hi.

I will try and keep this post simple, basically i've just been sacked from my job for gross misconduct, i have got a interview this week to see if i can claim JSA (as i've read that i could get sanctioned for up to 26 weeks as i was dismissed for gross misconduct) I live with my friend who still works for the company and i pay him £80 a week rent and every week we sign a book to say that i have paid my £80 rent and also the date i have paid, we have also signed a tenancy agreement document when i first moved in nearly 3 years ago, will i be able to claim any housing benefits as today one of my friends who sorted out our Tenancy agreement documentation has told me to say that i have fallen out with my parents and i have only just moved in with my friend because there is a chance i wont be able to get any benefit/money to help me pay my rent as he said that they might turn round and say that because i have lived there for the last 3 years then my friend can afford for me to stay? Is he right?

Jowo_2

Lodgers can't claim LHA when they live in the same property as close relatives. Lodgers can claim LHA when they live in a property where they are unrelated to the landlord.

Oldernotwiser

The fact that you've lived there for some years is irrelevant.

Does your rent cover council tax and utitlities or do you pay for these separately?

unclekevin

My rent doesn't cover council tax and utilities as my friend pays all that (i have a very good friend), i moved in as his girlfriend moved out and my rent money helps him pay his mortgage as he can't afford it on his own, i do all the cleaning and cooking as he hasn't got a clue and i don't mind doing it.

karenx

there's no way you will get housing benefit as its not even a proper tenancy.

elmer

You can apply for LHA and you should also get the thirteen week protection, please speak to your local council for full details of what you will be eligible for.
If you are over 25 then you should receive the single room rate, and they should be able to tell you what that is this month. If you rent is more then for thirteen weeks it will be made up to that level to enable you to make other arrangements when it drops.

Hope this helps

Elmer

Oldernotwiser

karenx wrote: »

there's no way you will get housing benefit as its not even a proper tenancy.

Why do you say this, it sounds like a pretty normal houseshare to me.

fluffymovie

Would have to agree with oldernotwiser on this one.

You have been paying rent for 3 years and have documentation to prove this.

LHA is payable to those who have a legal liability to pay rent which you do. You can claim on the basis of nil income and be awarded the Shared room rate.