housing benefit rate lowered new guidelines

geministar2008

Hi i received a letter last week from my housing stating as of jan they would be reducing my rate of housing benefit. I currently have a one bed flat which im entitled to and get the 1 bed flat rate. i'm 29 years old. The letter stated that as of jan they will only pay a room rate if you are between 25 and 35, which is a lot less than i get now. Makes me laugh the rates they quote, would not get you a room in a shared house anyway! I am very worried about how i will manage as only work part time during winter months. Does anyone have any advice or further info on this?

Many thanks

Emma

lazer

Simple advice - move to house share or get a full time better payign job

I don't agree with the policy, but unfortunately that is what the government have decided.

I think 25 was old enough to be expected to live to live in a house share, especially if you have been out working and used to independence, have a nice one bedroom flat, and have hit a rough patch and are temporarily unemployed.
1 bed rates should IMO continue to be paid for existing tenancies, but not for any new ones, as its unfair to move the goalposts.

bobajob_1966

As you have advance notice, you could look for more work? If you are unable to do this, for reason of disability for instance, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment. However, these are only intended to be a short term measure, they will expect you to look for alternative accom as soon as you can.

Benefits_Bod

{edited} Post compiled before seeing bobajob's response.

In theory, you could ask for a discretionary housing payment ("DHP") but, in reality, I suspect very few DHP awards will be made in these circumstances.

The increased "shared" age to 35 is an echo of what would have been brought into being had the Conservatives won the 1997 election. The top end age for the "shared" rate would have been 59.

missmontana

Is that not only if you move or make a fresh claim? all the rates here have been reduced already, but mine has stayed the same as I moved before they changed them all.

bobajob_1966

missmontana wrote: »

Is that not only if you move or make a fresh claim? all the rates here have been reduced already, but mine has stayed the same as I moved before they changed them all.

No, you will be thinking of the change from HB to LHA, or the 30th percentile reduction. If you fall into the single/ under 35 category (and not severely disabled), you will be receiving a letter about the change soon.

Benefits_Bod

I *think* the following is correct but will happily stand corrected if there is an error (I haven't double checked the legislation).

From January 2012, the "shared" rate comes into force - no further transitional protection on this specific issue.

For those with £15 top-ups, there is still protection of that top-up for those on continuing HB until the end of March 2012 unless the yearly review occurs first / there is a break / change of address / change in household size before then.

For those with LHA's based on the 50th percentile, protection continues on that basis until Dec 2012 unless the yearly review occurs first / there is a break / change of address / change in household size before then. After one of those "trigger" events occurs, LHA will be based on the 30th percentile.

missmontana wrote: »

Is that not only if you move or make a fresh claim? all the rates here have been reduced already, but mine has stayed the same as I moved before they changed them all.

AMG762

Benefits_Bod wrote: »

For those with LHA's based on the 50th percentile, protection continues on that basis until Dec 2012 unless there is a break / change of address / change in household size before then. After one of those "trigger" events occurs, LHA will be based on the 30th percentile.

Could somebody please confirm this is correct?

I thought it was 9 months transitional protection from your yearly review date?

I am due a review anytime now and was expecting to be placed on the lower 30th percentile around April 2012?

If its December 2012 I will be happy

geministar2008

hmmm all a nightmare, mine was already reduced. Where i live you cant get a room below 90 a week anyway! So regardless if i move to a shared house, which i am not prepared to do when im nearly 30! it wouldnt make much difference! i had enough of shared houses in late teens early 20's! Its all a bit confusing, as a couple of people have said that as long as i dont move or change my claim i should stay as i am. Gonna email my local housing i think! The country has gone mad, cut back after cut back, yes we know why they are doing it. But people are literally struggling to eat now and have a roof over their heads even those classed as a higher class are starting to feel the strain! I dont even have car on road due to the expense. I feel lucky that i have a part time job! I could easy give up and sign on at times!

Benefits_Bod

Sorry AMG - you're right. My oversight and the post has been amended accordingly. The reference to "Dec 2012" was assuming the annual claim anniversary date didn't occur until March 2012. So, yes, if your claim anniversary date is now, 30th percentile from May/June 2012.

geministar2008

how do you know when your review is due???