Will they be entitled to housing benefit?

traceyloo

My daughter who is six months pregnant and her partner recently found a house to rent through a letting agency - they applied for it and whilst the credit checks were going through the boyfriend was made redundant! - They phoned the LA and explained situation the LA were ok about daughter renting it based on her income until boyfriend gets another job but ofcourse daughter going on maternity leave before long so income will drop considerably. IF they were to go ahead on her income alone would they be entitled to any housing benefit when on maternity leave if boyfriend still not found job? I have tried to look at the online benefits checker but because the figures aren't real at the moment I'm finding it difficult. Btw they are both under 25yrs if that makes any difference.

karenx

Yes they will still be entitled but it would be at the 1 bedroom rate and based on her income. Then they will need to update housing once baby is born and they will be entitled to the 2 bedroom rate, and once again inform them one her partner has gotten a new job.
Have they checked that the letting agent is ok with accepting LHA? As some wont

traceyloo

Thank you - No they haven't checked with Letting Agency yet - they didn't know what was best to do. Some phone calls and decisions to make.

karenx

It could invalidate any insurance or mortgage held on the property if the tenant is recieving housing benefit or LHA. So before they go ahead with the house they have to make sure they will accept this. If not they will have to look for another place

traceyloo

Just spoke to the letting agent and they said that as long as she is in full time employment that is fine the fact that she would go on maternity leave and needs to top up her income with housing benefit or tax credits etc is ok - still classed as full time employ. If she went to them unemployed and on benefits then they would not let her go ahead with rental.