Benefits for a couple, one under 25

Housing_Benefit_Officer

nannytone wrote: »

its all about applicable amounts.
your local LHA rate sets your applicable amount.
as long as you have paid rent in full at your current property for a minimum of 52 weeks, then for the first 13 of your housing benefit claim ... your total rent will be treated as the applicable amount.
the fact that your partner is working doesnt change this, but obviously her wages will be considered when working out how much HB you are entitled to as a couple

There are 2 conditions for the 13 weeks protection.

1) You could afford the rent when you first moved in, and...

2) You haven't claimed Housing Benefit in the past 52 weeks.

If someone moved into a property on 1st November 2006 and claimed Housing Benefit for 1 week from the date they moved in then in September 2014, having never claimed Housing Benefit since 2006 then they wouldn't get the 13 weeks protection as they couldn't afford the rent when they first moved in as they claimed Housing Benefit for 1 week when they first moved in.

You have to meet both conditions to get 13 weeks protection.