HB Question - Whats the maximum they will pay

silaslang · 3 June 2007 at 10:22AM

I have just found out that as a student I am entitled to claim Housing Benefit during the break in between years at university. Its only a few weeks worth of help but everything helps. I have a partner and a 10 year child and were currently in a 3 bedroomed property. Does anyone know the maximum rent they will pay assuming you meet all the criteria? Someone told me they pay up to £95 a week. is this true?

Valley's_girl · 3 June 2007 at 11:11AM

Hi
I live in Mid glam and my council only pay for my rent upto £81.00 but not sure because I am a single parent and I rent private. The rent officer normally will assess how much the house is worth regarding housing benefit.
I was previously told that I would be better getting housing assos house or a council property because if you are on benefits they cover all the cost, whereas I have to cover the shortfall.
You would be better to ring the council and ask them a rough estimate so you can work around this.
Hth
Ally xx

silaslang · 3 June 2007 at 12:57PM

Thank you. I have been trying to get cheaper council housing for a while and apply for 2 properties a week but i am still apparently 3 years off a house

Scarlett1 · 3 June 2007 at 1:13PM

try www.entitledto.co.uk I dont think you will get a lot as your husbands income will be assessed, and you will only be given benefit for a 2 bedroomed propety as that is all you are considered as being entitled too

Oldernotwiser · 3 June 2007 at 2:46PM

I thought that you could only claim if you're a lone parent or are disabled. Could you point out the information that says you're eligible?

silaslang · 3 June 2007 at 3:00PM

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I thought that you could only claim if you're a lone parent or are disabled. Could you point out the information that says you're eligible?

I am eligible due to a disability and therefore can claim under special circumstances.

Oldernotwiser · 3 June 2007 at 3:26PM

silaslang wrote: »

I am eligible due to a disability and therefore can claim under special circumstances.

Right, that explains it then!

Elle00 · 3 June 2007 at 6:13PM

Hi OP, if I understand correctly you are wondering what you will get for the 3 bed property you, your partner and child occupy?

Well the actual figure varies from area to area as average rent prices do. I would say that the council will assess your property and if the rent is the going rate for the property you're in they'll pay to cover the house less the cost of the bedroom additional to your needs (technically). A box room deduction is usually only around £40 - £100 a month (depending on area) so it's not too much of a shortfall.

HTH