Housing Benefit and LHA

pmlindyloo

FBaby wrote: »

Have you been told you would be entitled to a one bed instead of shared accommodation or are you assuming you would be?

The OP seems to have used a benefit calculator which appears to have given him the severe disability premium for his HB applicable amount, thereby making him eligible for the one bed rate.

Presuming the Op is receiving mid rate care of DLA then he would be eligible for the SDP in his housing benefit (LHA) calculation providing that he was living alone with no non dependants.

http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11024

FBaby

Does that mean they anyone on mid rate care is assumed to need more space than a non disabled person?

Indie_Kid

FBaby wrote: »

Does that mean they anyone on mid rate care is assumed to need more space than a non disabled person?

No. It means we're entitled to enough LHA for a one bed flat instead of a room in a shared house.

pmlindyloo

FBaby wrote: »

Does that mean they anyone on mid rate care is assumed to need more space than a non disabled person?

We are only talking about those under 35 years of age.

If I remember correctly the legislation was brought in as a recognition of the fact that those under 35 with either a physical or mental health condition that was severe enough to warrant mid rate care of DLA might find it difficult to share with other people rather than needing more space. (What a long sentence, sorry)

I was always against the under 35 rule as it particularly hit single young dads with a low income (perhaps because of paying child support) and not being able to have their child(ren) overnight because of lack of space.

jr1985

According to the benefit calculator I used, and now a housing executive advisor, I should be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate, due to my income and the fact in on middle rate care DLA. This is a relief, as I would find it extremely stressful if I had to live with strangers - I have Aspergers Syndrome and social/general anxiety amongst other things. BUT the advisor said I wouldn't know 100% until I made an actual application, and you need to have somewhere lined up before you can apply.


I forgot to ask her if the fact I'm a part-time student with the OU would affect housing benefit. Maybe someone here will know?

Indie_Kid

Being a part time student doesn't affect benefits.

jr1985

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Housing benefit is a means tested benefit so your eligibility will depend on your income and your savings. The savings limit is £16000 (not the income limit)

Put your details into the calculator on https://www.entitledto.co.uk as if you were living in a flat by yourself. Then put in your average earnings and average hours. Are you averaging 16 hrs a week and claiming working tax credits with the disability element?

Or are you claiming ESA and doing Permitted work?

Or are you working with no benefits other than your DLA?

In any case, just put your details onto the calculator or go to CAB for some advice about moving into a place of your own. This calculator will show you what the local housing allowance is for your area for a one bed place. This will give you an idea of what kind of rent you should be looking at.

You would have to show a tenancy agreement as part of your application for HB so you really need to know what your entitlement is.

You can also go to the council for some housing advice. You say you may not 'manage on your own'. They may have some other possible housing options for you. Difficult to say as I do not know the extent of your disability but maybe worth a visit to your council.

I only get DLA with no other benefits. The problem is my hours change weekly. I spoke to CBA about this and they told me I'd have to keep telling either the ESA or Tax Credits people any time my hours dipped above/below 16 hours. This just sounded like a lot of hassle/stress (what if I forget?), so I haven't tried claiming anything else.

jr1985

FBaby wrote: »

Have you been told you would be entitled to a one bed instead of shared accommodation or are you assuming you would be?

I'm single, under 35 and have no dependants, so normally I'd be entitled to shared. But I'm allowed 1 bedroom as I'm on mid rate DLA.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

jr1985 wrote: »

I forgot to ask her if the fact I'm a part-time student with the OU would affect housing benefit. Maybe someone here will know?

Disabled full time students can claim housing benefit.

FBaby

I agree that it makes no sense that middle rate DLA would indeed be an automatic door to a one bed place for an under 35. I would he thought that using care needs would a tally man that at least for some claimants it would preferable if only from a safety perspective. Why couldn't each HB applicant's housing needs be assessed independently of their award?