Under-occupation and private tenants 29 July at 9:36PM in Benefits & Tax Credits 4 replies 212 views

stupidaspie

If a private tenant over 35 had a two bedroom flat, would they only be paid the LHA rate for one bedroom if no exemptions applied?

calcotti

Yes, one bedroom rate would apply. Not sure what exemptions you are referring to.

huckster

Exemption is probably the wrong word.
One single claimant or a couple living in a two bedroom property, who would normally only qualify for a 1 bedroom rate, can apply for an extra bedroom entitlement. 

But there are requirements that would need to be met to qualify for the extra bedroom entitlement. If a claimant is in receipt of a disability benefit such as PIP and they needed a carer who does not live with them, to provide regular overnight care, then an extra bedroom entitlement could be added.  For a couple, where one of the couple has a proven health condition that makes it very difficult to share a bedroom, a Decision Maker could upon receipt of sufficient evidence award an extra bedroom entitlement.
See F3131 onwards in the following link

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/890313/admf3.pdf

stupidaspie

huckster said:

Exemption is probably the wrong word.
One single claimant or a couple living in a two bedroom property, who would normally only qualify for a 1 bedroom rate, can apply for an extra bedroom entitlement. 

But there are requirements that would need to be met to qualify for the extra bedroom entitlement. If a claimant is in receipt of a disability benefit such as PIP and they needed a carer who does not live with them, to provide regular overnight care, then an extra bedroom entitlement could be added.  For a couple, where one of the couple has a proven health condition that makes it very difficult to share a bedroom, a Decision Maker could upon receipt of sufficient evidence award an extra bedroom entitlement.
See F3131 onwards in the following link

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/890313/admf3.pdf

It is the wrong word, really. I was thinking of circumstances like those above.

calcotti

‘Special circumstances’ might be more appropriate.