Housing Benefit Advice

andyD_2

Hi all, I am in desperate need of some advice and wonder could anyone help me or point me in the right direction.

I am going to be renting for the 1st time and have been trying to get an idea of what HB I would be entitled to. I have done all the online calculators which give me a different answer every time I do it! Are these not accurate? I have also contacted the HE who also have given me a few different figures with quite a vast difference.

Can anyone help me.

Thanks so much.

somethingcorporate

Which calculators have you tried and what inputs have you been putting in?

If you put the same numbers in you should get the same answer out so make sure you make a note of all the answers to the questions you get asked.

https://www.Turn2us.org.uk is the one you should use.

andyD_2

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have used turn2us, entitled to and the QuickCalc on the housing executive site. I am using the same figures and information on everything. The same sites are even giving me different figures when I redo them, this is why I am so confused and very stressed not knowing where I stand.

pmlindyloo

Are you on any means tested benefits like income based ESA, income Support, income based JSA? If you are then you will be entitled to the full local housing allowance for your circumstances.

[Deleted User]

the council benefits dept will give you and accurate answer phone them on tuesday

andyD_2

Pmlindyloo, don't get any income related benefits. I work part time and my husband is unable to work due to I'll health, he receives contribution based esa and full dla.

Woodbine I have spoke to the council 3 times now and again hit told 3 different amounts with huge differences.

I just don't know what to do now.

pmlindyloo

Since you mention the HE I am presuming your are in N. Ireland?

Are the rates and water included in the rent? If so these would have to be deducted to find out your liable amount as regards rent.

Here is a link to show how your local housing allowance is calculated (I believe it is the same in N.Ireland.

http://www.eden.gov.uk/benefits-and-tax/benefits/housing-benefit/how-housing-benefit-is-calculated-and-paid/

DLA is discounted but your husband's contribution based ESA/your salary/savings would be counted and reduce your allowance.

Your husband's DLA will probably give you an extra amount in your applicable amount.

So,I'm afraid, in your circumstances, it is rather complicated!

Since you will have to find somewhere to live I can only suggest that you find your local housing allowance for your circumstances (on the HE website I think) and use this as a ball park figure for finding accommodation. The LHA rate is weekly so multiply it by 52 and then divide by 12 to get a monthly rent.

This is the maximum they will pay and obviously you will not get the maximum because you are working.

Hope this helps a little.

Robbie64

Will you be renting privately or through the HE? If the latter there is currently no equivalent of the "spare room subsidy" or "bedroom tax" which reduces HB in NI. Perhaps some calculators are working out your HB by applying a reduction if this would be appropriate elsewhere in the UK?

andyD_2

Thanks pmlindyloo your link was very helpful. Only bit im not sure of is this table
Family Premium (claimants with children)
17.45
Family Premium (Lone Parent) protected for certain claimants
22.20
Disability Premium for single person
32.25
Disability Premium for couple
45.95
Enhanced Disability Premium for single person
15.75
Enhanced Disability Premium for couple
22.60
Enhanced Disability Premium for child
24.43
Severe Disability Premium for single person
61.85
Severe Disability Premium for couple where one qualifies
61.85
Severe Disability Premium for couple where both qualify
123.70
Carer Premium
34.60
Disabled Child Premium
60.06

How do I know which disabled premium my husband will get and when it says got couples does that mean u both have to be disabled for that?

Thanks again everyone greatly appreciated.

pmlindyloo

Found this. Hope it helps.

http://www.lawcentreni.org/EoR/benefits-and-tax-credits/housing-benefit.html