Housing benefit question

scotsgirl_3

Hi

I'm hoping someone who knows/understands the housing benefit rules can give me some advice on the following situation, please:

Couple living in a flat owned by the guys mum. They do have a formal tenancy and have done for several years. I think they actually have seperate tenancies, as she moved in when she was a student. They're each supposed to pay rent of £200 a month.

He's the only one working, and not earning much. I've run their details through entitled to, and it comes back saying they would be able to claim some housing benefit based on their figures. However, as the property is owned by his mum, would they be able to claim this?

As I mentioned, they do have an official tenancy that was drawn up by a letting agent at least 3 years ago if not more.

Thanks

skint-student-nurse

have you looked on your local councils website? Each council seems to vary but i know that if i was in that situation,i wouldnt be able to claim HB/LHA with my local council. HTH

Oldernotwiser

As long as they have a formal tenancy agreement and it isn't considered to be contrived, there should be no reason why they can't claim LHA. However, they would only be eligible for the 1 bed LHA rate and his earnings will affect the claim.

scotsgirl_3

Thanks older - I had assumed it would be the 1 bed rate when I ran the figures through entitledto.