LHA query

quintera

Hello i am unsure if this is correct place to post my query, so if it is wrong could a mod please move to correct forum section.

I am currently living with my parents but it is getting harder and harder each day to stay. We constantly argue and i am generally getting depressed about still being here at 26.

What i would like to know is can Local Housing Allowance be claimed if i move into a B&B,Hotel? Unfortunately i can not afford to move in to a flat/house as i am on a low income (£160pw).

Other than a B&B,Hotel i don't know of any other way and even those may be out of my price range without some kind of help until i can either get more hours or find a different job. On a side note and i am unsure if this is relevant but i am currently off work due to injury and work are paying me company sick pay at 100% for first 2 month then it goes down to 50% after that. I have been off for one month up to yet and can't see me going back in near future(hoping for beginning of next year).

Would it make any difference to LHA claim if i go from full wages down to SSP?

Any help would be appreciated as i don't know where to turn.

Thanks for looking.

quintera.

BigAunty

Any reason why you can't afford a room in a shared property or lodgings with a live-in landlord in your local area? What's the going rate for a room in a shared property?

From January onwards, the under 35s are entitled to a maximum rate of LHA equivalent to a room in a shared property (changing from 25 to 35). Your income will reduce this, possibly ruling it out.

However, you can identify the maximum LHA rate for a shared property on the Direct Gov website and then enter all your income information into the Turn2us online benefit calculator, to see if you are entitled to any? You can model the impact of the switch to SSP. LHA is means tested so lower incomes do mean more LHA.

In the meantime, virtually all landlords will expect a month's rent in advance and a month's deposit. Do you have the means to pay this?

It would probably be easier for you to find a rental property when you have a proper income - many landlords do not rent to LHA claimants so your pool of property is quite small. When do you think you will recover?

£160 per week indicates a part time wage - any scope to work full time when your injury has healed?

The Shelter website is a good source of information about how LHA works, etc. If you are worried about being thrown out and made homeless, they have good info on homelessness, too.

PS - You can elect to live in a luxury penthouse if you wish, your LHA will be based upon your age, if you have any disabilities, number of dependents, single, and affected by income. Where you choose to live is irrelevant. You will be due x amount of LHA, if any, and no more. It is up to you to make it stretch.

karenx

You wont get any help with living in a hotel! For housing help you need to supply a tenancy agreement, this you will not get while living in a hotel or b&b.

Its either cough up for a house/flat or continue living at home