Splitting up - housing benefit for me?

MissMoneypenny

The page is dated 28 March 2011 and is split into two parts. The bit you quote from above, is in the first part and talks about changes in April 2011.

Other Changes is the second part which lists everything else that is going to happen (including the age change to 35) and the dates these changes are coming in. There is no mention of a 9 months protection for these "Other Changes". Only the non-dependant changes under the "Other Changes" mentions being "gradually increased". There is also a very clear warning about seeking advice before you sign a new tenancy agreement. This suggests that these "Other Changes" will happen for everyone, on the dates stated.

pmlindyloo

OK guys - can't find where I quoted from as I went to so many different websites!

But I would hate to stress out the OP even more so just to show that no one really knows this is from Bexley Council website:

Proposed Changes to Single Room Rent Restrictions from 1 January
2012 for Private Tenants

This change will apply to both Local Housing Allowance (LHA) claimants and those
still receiving benefit under the previous scheme
Currently, single room rent restrictions apply to a single claimant under 25, living in
privately rented accommodation. The maximum amount of benefit for under 25 year
olds is capped to the average rent for a single room in shared accommodation.
From 1 January 2012 it is proposed that the single room rent restriction will apply to
single people under the age of 35.
Until details of the new legislation are issued it is not possible to give accurate advice
about how this change is likely to impact on your entitlement to Housing Benefit.
However, it is expected that a number of existing exemptions from restricting rents
for under 25 year olds will continue, for example, for those receiving the severe
disability premium, care leavers up to the age of 22, single claimants with a
dependant or non dependant; and couples unless they are currently living in shared
accommodation.
It is also believed that if you were entitled to LHA prior to 1 April 2011 this change will
not affect your benefit until 9 months after the anniversary of your claim. If you made
a claim after 1 April 2011 your rent will be restricted to the new shared room rate for

under 35 year olds on the anniversary of your claim.


Not trying to prolong this but just demonstrate that no one seems to know because the details haven't been sorted.

I personally hope that the whole thing is looked at again.

toasterman

Christ am I unhappy.
I've still not got my ar5e in gear and contacted the LHA or Housing Benefit people.

Just wondering something though - do you think they'd have a list of places that will actually accept housing benefit? Is there like a list of landlords who do? Because looking at cheap rooms/bedsits on Gumtree, etc. most of them say "no DSS".
From my previous experiences, I know that no flat rental agent will accept anyone without a full time job.
Is there a good place to look for more flexible landlords/rooms?

I'd really rather find my own place to live, because I'd rather live in a poky box in a nice area, than a house in a dive - but last time I claimed Housing Benefit, I had a very hands-off landlord who didn't care where the money came from, so long as it was paid. Struggling a bit this time around.

KxMx

A relative works in an independent estate agents and they do have landlords who accept HB/LHA and some that don't. So it's worth asking around.

Also your council's housing department may have such a list, am not sure.

toasterman

Just revisiting this again, as I've still not changed my circumstances.
The situation of living with my ex has gone from completely not working, to working quite well, to sorta working, to not working at all, and back again. Currently in a state of numbness all round I think.
I am currently in full time employment, but unfortunately it's a temporary role due to end before the month is out, which isn't that helpful.

http://www.hbupdate.com - now says that from 2012, those under 35 will only be available to get the shared housing amount of housing benefit (not the 1-bed flat amount), of £276 a month for my area. My last houseshare, one room in a damp, mouldy house, was £285 a month. The government are having a laugh with these figures.
Someone has suggested to me to get myself a bedsit before this month is out, and thus work the 2011 system a bit longer. But the problem is that any change in your circumstances gets you reassessed. As I'm looking for work at the moment, taking jobs as they come along, my circumstances is going to change quite quickly, I'll get reassessed, and then be unable to afford the place I'm living in.

My search continues for a new place I guess, hand in hand with a new job.