Housing Benefit - Right Rate?

MoneyAdvice

I'm currently in receipt of housing benefit due to being made redundant and I just want to clarify that the rate I'm receiving the the correct one. I have been awarded £52 a week. 31 years of age, single and live in a two bedroom property. However when I use the online benefits calculator, it says that I'm entitled to £75 a week.

[Deleted User]

You are entitled to the shared room rate for your area. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

pmlindyloo

_shel wrote: »

You are entitled to the shared room rate for your area. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

This is only true if you are on a means tested benefit (JSA orESA or IS) or

if you are on a contribution based Benefit and are claiming on the basis on a low income and have less than £6000 in savings.

if you could afford your tenancy when you took it on AND you have not claimed HB in the last 52 weeks then you should be paid the full rate of your rent for 13 weeks under the Protection Scheme.

Do you have anyone else living with you?

elmer

If you are not sure that your award is correct, call the council and ask for a reconsideration, you need to do this within 4 weeks of receiving your award letter. They should be able to talk you through what has been awarded and see if its correct or not.

elmer

MoneyAdvice

I live by myself.

Why does the calculator say that I'm entitled to the one bedroom rate then? What are the rules to be eligible for the one bedroom rate as opposed to the shared room rate?

Caz3121

for the one bedroom rate you need to be over 35 or have a disability....do you receive PIP/DLA?

marliepanda

MoneyAdvice wrote: »

I live by myself.

Why does the calculator say that I'm entitled to the one bedroom rate then? What are the rules to be eligible for the one bedroom rate as opposed to the shared room rate?

Disability, usually.

As HBO asked, if you've paid the rent by yourself for 52 weeks prior you'll get the full rent paid for 13 weeks

If not, you'll get the shared room rate. Not sure why the online calculator would say differently.

MoneyAdvice

The shared room rate is £52 and the cheapest property (even renting a room in a house) I've foundis £70. So am I expected to fork out £80 a month out of money I don't have while I'm unemployed?

[Deleted User]

Yes, did you not save for the unexpected when you were working?

sammyjammy

Celifein wrote: »

Posts #3 and #7 say you can temporarily claim your full rent in your current property.

Only if OP has lived in the property and paid the rent themselves for at least the last 52 weeks.

missbiggles1

_shel wrote: »

You are entitled to the shared room rate for your area. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

Apologies for nitpicking - "shared accommodation rate".