Local Housing Allowance and ESA

GeraltJones

I'm 19 years old and looking to move out my parents' house due to constant arguing going on between my father and me. I'm planning to move from Preston to the Merseyside area, as it's closer to people I know (funnily enough).

I'm currently claiming ESA due to depression and social anxiety and I'm wondering how I would go about sorting out my rent. I'm looking for house shares in the region of about £200pcm and that's affordable already as I receive about £400pm, however it would leave little for food and bills if needed. So I need to know: can I claim LHA (Under Sefton Council)? And would I be able to fill out the forms for this before I moved into the house, so that I wouldn't be worrying about money as soon as I do?

As I'm new to this as well, how much would be paid of the rent?

Sorry if I sound self-entitled, I'm just really worried about the prospect of having to stay in my current household.

[Deleted User]

All 19 year olds argue with their dads,trust me ive been a 19 yr old and a dad to one
i would suggest you contact the sefton council housing benefit dept,but do be aware that lha claims can be slow,maybe you could save up for a few months first?

GeraltJones

I do plan to save for a while before making any decisions. I've sent Sefton Council an email to get the basic information on LHA. Thanks.

nannytone_2

AT YOUR AGE YOU WOULD ONLU GET THE SHARED ACCOMODATION RATE OF lha. HOW WOULD THIS FIT IN WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION? SURELY SHARING WITH NEAR STRANGERS WOULD BE WORSE THAN SHARING WITH YOUR FAMILY?

mynameistallulah

The relevant LHA rate for Sefton is around £60 per week, so if you are expecting to pay £200 per month your rent will be covered. You can apply in advance, but they will not do anything until they have a copy of your lease, so it will be a while until you receive payment.

Edit: Sorry, I've just realised your ESA rate may be more than your applicable amount, so you may not get the whole rent paid. How much LHA do you receive?

GeraltJones

I don't receive any right now due to living at home. I'm not too clued up when it comes to all of this, so could you possibly look into it for me. I don't want to go any further before I understand how it all works. Would the ESA cause reductions to the LHA?

Scrap that. Found this on Sefton Council's site.

"If you are entitled to Income Support, Guaranteed Pension Credit, Income related Employment and Support Allowance or income based Job Seekers Allowance, you should receive maximum benefit, less any deductions for non-dependants."

And about living with other people. I generally keep to myself, so yes, although it would be awkward for me to interact with people I don't know, I'll manage. I treat my family like I barely know them because I feel uncomfortable. It's nothing new.