Housing Benefit/LHA - How long does it take?

tupac662

Hi, I applied for Housing Benefit / Local Housing Allowance as I'm currently studying part time (2 evenings p/w) renting privately and working only 20hrs p/w.

I took my application to the housing benefits department on 6th Aug, and so far I've received a council tax benefit letter (entitled to £6 p/w ctb) but nothing in regards to housing benefit/lha
.
Anyone know how long it usually takes for a claim to be processed? I presumed that both claims would be processed at the same time.
Thanks in advance

dmg24

It varies massively between LA's - if you call they should be able to give an estimate as to when you should receive payment.

Hammyman

The rules say it should be 14 days and if its any longer, interim payments should be made in the meantime. It can take longer but you can go back and ask them to make payments. I forget the particular regulation and unfortunately my brother, the walking HB/CTB rulebook, is not available to ask.

Duncombe

The award letter should have CTB and HB amounts. Unless it varies from location to location.

tupac662

Thanks all,
I'll give them a ring and see what they say. My rent is due in the next 5 days so I'm hoping they'll either process the claim asap, or atleast back date the payments from when they received my claim (6th Aug)