Claiming Housing Benefit in London

kindmiser

Dear All,

I want to claim housing benefit. I am under 35 and currently on job seekers allowance until my business is up and running properly.

I need to find myself accommodation and was wondering...if I find a studio flat, will the housing benefit department pay the full rent amount or not?

I have heard there are caps and if you are under 35 you have to find a room in a shared household, however I need to find out if there are any exceptions to this as I really need my own place so I can set up a telephone line and I want to use it as a studio for my business I am setting up.

I am searching in hammersmith or surrounding areas.

NB: If you can't give a helpful comment without being a smart !!!! or sarcastic, with respect please don't bother.


Thanks!

justlooking2012

Why should they make an exception for you just because you want to start a business, its common sense really.
In a word, NO

BigAunty

It is the case that a HB claimant anywhere in the country who is single, under 35, no dependents and isn't disabled enough to require an overnight resident carer, can live in any size property they like but will only get the shared room rate.

It is up to them to pay the difference between the rent and their LHA out of their other income.

Your business requirements have no influence on the rate.

See the Shelter or Citizens Advice or local council website for info on how LHA works.

Depending on which area you live in within that borough, you will be entitled to a shared accommodation rate of either £88.50, £100 or £123.50 per week as it spans 3 different Broad Rental Market Areas.

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

BigAunty

If you are 30 or under , see the Princes Trust Enterprise programme

http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/need_help/enterprise_programme.aspx

I understand the job centre have a new enterprise allowance scheme for the unemployed, not sure on the criteria for being accepted on it, but this could also help with identifying business premises.

skintandscared_2

You can rent any sized property you like. But if you are entitled to receive it, you will only receive the HB rate for shared accommodation and will have to make up the shortfall yourself.

Caz3121

You can live in any sized property you wish however the amount of housing benefit you receive will be based on the shared room rate. So if you can find a studio for that amount then the full amount will be paid

princessdon

Don't forget to find a landlord that takes benefit claimants and allows you to run a business from a none commercial dwelling. Many won't due to their insurance.

Dunroamin

I don't see why you can't set up a dedicated telephone line in a room in a shared flat/house.

Firefox1975

Can someone really get a studio in Hammersmith for between £88.50 and £123.50 per week?

Really?

I don't live in London, but I would be surprised if they can.

OP - you dont want sarcastic replies, but what you are asking sounds unfeasible in the current climate. I'm not "having a go" at your ignorance,or trying to wind you up im just stating fact and giving you a reality check.

justlooking2012

Firefox1975 wrote: »

Can someone really get a studio in Hammersmith for between £88.50 and £123.50 per week?

Really?

I don't live in London, but I would be surprised if they can.

OP - you dont want sarcastic replies, but what you are asking sounds unfeasible in the current climate. I'm not "having a go" at your ignorance,or trying to wind you up im just stating fact and giving you a reality check.

Not for that cheap, I would say the average is £175-£200, though there may be some in disrepair that are cheaper

midnight_express

Firefox1975 wrote: »

Can someone really get a studio in Hammersmith for between £88.50 and £123.50 per week?

Really?

I don't live in London, but I would be surprised if they can.

OP - you dont want sarcastic replies, but what you are asking sounds unfeasible in the current climate. I'm not "having a go" at your ignorance,or trying to wind you up im just stating fact and giving you a reality check.

you would be lucky to get a decent flat share for less than 500 a month. A studio would obviously be more. THey would also want rent in advance and a deposit so 1000 + upfront. LOndon landlords can afford to be fussy.I can't see many wanting a benefit claimant or someone who wants to run a business from home. I Think the OP Should be looking at a cheaper area such as east London.