Housing Benefit (Over 35)

Karlos13

Hi All,


I'm just looking for a quick piece of info if anyone might be able to help.


I've just applied for and received housing benefit. Unfortunately I'm 34 and so I've only received the Shared Room Rate. This has left me with a huge shortfall in my rent. If this was to be a long term thing it would be very hard for me to pay the difference out of my other benefits.


The thing is, I'm 35 in september. Does anyone have any info on what will happen to my claim when I turn 35? Will I need to inform them that my circumstances have changed? Or, God forbid, apply again to get the 1 Bedroom Rate?


If I only have to pay the difference for a few months I should be able to tighten my belt and deal with it. If I can't get the improved rate after my birthday I'm afraid I'll be out on my ear.


Any info would be much appreciated.


Regards


Karlos

tomtom256

If not automatically uprated, just call them and advise them of the change.

Karlos13

Thanks for the reply.


I'm going to call them tomorrow to confirm. I missed the chance to do so today and I get a little anxious about stuff like this so couldn't wait till then. I wouldn't be surprised if they make me reapply. Call me cynical but it seems like something they would do.



Has anyone had this happen to them? That is, have you turned 35 while receiving HB and if so, what happened?

w06

you won't need to reapply, just notify them, it's not something that's disputable (your age). Give them a call tomorrow though to set your mind at rest

Karlos13

Great,


Thanks folks. I'll post when I know in case anyone else was wondering.



Looks like it'll be beans on toast for me until September!!!

w06

welcome to the club spaghetti on toast for a change

[Deleted User]

You could ask for (you may or may not get it) a discretionary housing payment, which might make up some of the shortfall usually for upto 6 months (so in your case the whole period)

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Discretionary-Housing-Payment/What-is-a-Discretionary-Housing-Payment?gclid=CjwKCAjwgYPZBRBoEiwA2XeupVu8UBPxxDkggweTz3xtq016vvDg9BfE1ygGtLvEfjUggxB864n19xoCDF4QAvD_BwE

midnight_express

Karlos13 wrote: »

Great,


Thanks folks. I'll post when I know in case anyone else was wondering.



Looks like it'll be beans on toast for me until September!!!

There are lots of cheap meal ideas on the polls style board.

Karlos13

Thanks for all your help guys, I appreciate it.



I phoned HB this morning and the nice lady said my details would automatically update when I turn 35. She is also sending me out an application form for a Discretionary payment so I'll give that a whirl too.


I've just done a budget for the next three months and should be fine even if I don't get the discretionary doo-dad, but it sure would help.


Thanks again for your help and support!!!

Afraid_of_Kittens

How long have you lived in the property?

If you lived in the property, and haven't claimed HB in the previous 52 weeks and could afford the rent when you moved in then they should use the full rent figure used for the first 13 weeks of your claim.