Housing benefit, Single and Under 25?

cc12

Hi i'm a bit confused about housing benefit could someone explain;

If you're single and aged under 25 you can only get Housing Benefit for bed-sit accommodation or one room in shared accommodation.

Does this mean I can't get any benefit if i move into a one bedroom flat or a one/two bedroom house, I understand I'd have to make up the difference myself but I was woundering if they would refuse me anyhelp ? thanks

mynameistallulah

You would still be eligible for help, albeit at the shared room rate. How would you make up the difference?

cc12

I merely looking into things at the moment , and was curious at the wording as it seemed to imply that you wouldn't receive any help if you're property was other than a shared room or bedsit.

cc12

So does that mean I am only entitled to £45 per week towards it please?

mynameistallulah

If that is the relevant LHA rate for your area, and if you are entitled to the full amount, yes.

mealone

cc12 wrote: »

Hi i'm a bit confused about housing benefit could someone explain;

If you're single and aged under 25 you can only get Housing Benefit for bed-sit accommodation or one room in shared accommodation.

Does this mean I can't get any benefit if i move into a one bedroom flat or a one/two bedroom house, I understand I'd have to make up the difference myself but I was woundering if they would refuse me anyhelp ? thanks

It is under 35 now, the rules changed earlier this year.

sammyjammy

cc12 wrote: »

So does that mean I am only entitled to £45 per week towards it please?

That sounds very low even for a shared room rate in a cheap area. If it is correct its the maximum you'll get dependent on your income. As has been said already this now applies to anyone up to the age of 35.

BigAunty

Yes, if you are entitled to a room in a shared property rate with LHA, then you will get this regardless of the size of the property where you choose to live or the actual cost of the rent.

You would be entitled to £x sum as a maximum and it's up to the tenant to manage their choice of accommodation and take responsibilty for their budget.

This means in theory that a tenant on housing benefit (LHA) of £45 per week for a shared property is free to live in a self contained 1 bedroom property where the rent is £80.

However, this person is unlikely to find a landlord who will rent out an expensive place to them far higher than their LHA as there is a strong risk that they will get into arrears or will move out quickly because they can't afford it.