Housing Benefits

Symnz_2

I have read a couple of threads on here, but I still don't quite understand what the deal is here.

Quick couple of questions:
1 - Are they cutting benefits for under 25's?
If yes, is that for couples too? (Not sure if they have done this already or not).

2 - How much are you allowed to earn (as a couple) before they say "No more money for you sir!"?

The situation is the following:
My girlfriend has just been kicked out by her oh so lovely mother...:T:T:T

At the moment, she is staying with her sister, but that is only a temporary thing. She has just started her new job which pays alright for someone her age... Enough to live on, just.
I have offered to move in with her. I'm currently living at home...oh the easy life!

The main reason is financially it would be easier for us to get a place as a couple (ignoring benefits for now). It's not extremely expensive here from what I have seen. I'm not fussed as far as what type of place - from shared to a 1bed. The girlfriend doesn't like the idea of a studio...but as she is paying the majority it will be her choice at the end of the day. (No matter how many times she tells me it's a joint decision).

Now, we can afford together about £600 a month...hoping to find a place that has some bills at least included. Not so fussed about water, as I shower at the gym 6 days a week so I'll use very little thankfully. :P

Now, with that said - what entitlement would we have as a couple?
A joint income of about £16-£20k (depending on overtime). I wouldn't expect a £600 place to be paid for by housing alone, of course we can afford to move out and rent, it's just the other things during the months. Fuel, tax, mot, insurance, etc,etc. We both have bikes, so it's not like we pay £2000 a year insurance.

Caz3121

Can't answer the first question, but on the second question there is no number as such as it will depend on the LHA for the area.
From the total income they give an allowance then allocate a % of the remainder to "rent", if that remainder falls short of the LHA then there is possible housing benefit to top up so, with the same income a couple in an area with a high LHA may get some help and in a low LHA area would get none

Gemmzie

At the moment, housing benefit rates remain the same for under 25s. The change has been that people up to 35 years old now come under the same single room rent rules as an under 25 did before. As a couple, you'll be entitled to one bedroom

It's worth running through an LHA calculator to see how much you'd get but on £16k+, I'd have thought it would be very little unless you were living in a very affluent area

karenx

A couple on 20k a year I wouldn't expect you to get my benefit help at all

princessdon

I don't think you will get anything at all on those figures.

dseventy

20K a year for a fit young couple will exclude you from housing cost help.

D70

Symnz_2

Gemmzie wrote: »

At the moment, housing benefit rates remain the same for under 25s. The change has been that people up to 35 years old now come under the same single room rent rules as an under 25 did before. As a couple, you'll be entitled to one bedroom

It's worth running through an LHA calculator to see how much you'd get but on £16k+, I'd have thought it would be very little unless you were living in a very affluent area

£16k is a guess. She earns about £1000 a month. I earn about 300 a month.
I'm on a zero hour contract so could be £0, but so far they are understaffed so I'm working.

Murphymycat

Few observations. When you move away from home it will be a big wake up call to suddenly have to pay your own bills. Everything is expensive especially gas and electricity. Does your girlfriend use the gym as well? You will need water for things like washing, washing up etc. if you are only earning £300 a month will you be able to afford a gym membership?

Finally, £600 for a one bedroomed flat is quite a lot for most areas of the country unless you live in London.

good luck and don't forget that once you commit yourself to renting a place you have to keep paying the rent no matter how dire your financial circumstances are.

FBaby

Do you have any university loans to repay? If not, then up to £20K is a decent amount to live on for a couple without children or unusual expenses. What disposable income to you expect to have? You are still young, so have to accept that you can't have everything you want. At the same time, you should have little costs, so should still have enough for some luxuries to enjoy before you have children.

Dunroamin

FBaby wrote: »

Do you have any university loans to repay? If not, then up to £20K is a decent amount to live on for a couple without children or unusual expenses. What disposable income to you expect to have? You are still young, so have to accept that you can't have everything you want. At the same time, you should have little costs, so should still have enough for some luxuries to enjoy before you have children.

On that income, student loans would not be repayable.

Personally, on that income and that rent, I don't think they can afford it. neither do I think they should try until the OP is earning a wage nearer to his GF's.

Caz3121

have a play about with the benefits calculator once you know the LHA rate for a one bedroom property in your area. (not the actual rent)
From the figures you have given it looks like you may get 40p per week if £120 LHA rate...you get a bit more if it is higher and less if lower