Housing Benefit

fairy_gurl

Hi everyone

Can I claim Housing Benefit if I live with my mum and have to pay rent? I am 24 and have just started on JSA.

Thanks

Wee_Willy_Harris

.........No.

Jowo_2

It is NEVER possible to claim Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance when a claimant lives in the same property as a close relative. The country would be bankrupt if every household with a non-working resident could bill the rent to the taxpayer.

It is expected that they use their benefit to cover household expenses, such as lodging costs. Suggest you discuss with your mum what proportion of your JSA she would like from you to pay towards your energy usage, food and so forth.

Wee_Willy_Harris

Having already said an emphatic "No", I may have been slightly hasty as I don't know your full circumstances.

If your mother is already getting LHA and you have just moved back in, then it MAY effect the amount of LHA your mother is able to claim as your residence would increase the bedroom requirement by one. So, if she was previously getting the 2 bedroom rate, she may now be entitled to the (higher) 3 bedroom rate. However, there will also be a "non-dependant deduction" from that higher award. This is the amount you would be expected to contribute as indicated by Jowo above. The LHA awarded would still be higher though.

Vader123

Can you use some of the income from your rental property to pay your mum?

Vader