Local Shared Accommodation Rate and PIP confusion

joewest1802

Hi all,

I'm on universal credit and am confused about the shared accommodation rate for the housing benefit element I get.

I have recently been granted PIP.

I read that if you get PIP then you are exempt from the Local Shared Accommodation Rate cap, if you are under 35.

My question is: does this also apply if you are OVER 35?

Also, are there any other pros (or cons) for me now being granted PIP, in terms of my universal credit?

Thanks in advance

Alice_Holt

PIP doesn't affect your UC.
(Other than the possibility that an award for PIP may be indicative that some of the UC LCW descriptors could apply).

The shared accommodation LHA rate does not apply if over 35. The usual LHA bedroom count applies.

calcotti

As a single person aged 35 or over you are entitled to the one bedroom LHA rate regardless of whether or not you get PIP.

joewest1802

Thanks for the replies. This page on the .gov website states that you can get more than the SAR if you're under 35 and on PIP (see screenshot).

I'm just wondering if PIP would also entitle you to get more than the LHA bedroom rate, if over 35 too, if that makes sense?

KxMx

Yes that makes sense, as far as I know the answer is no. 

calcotti

joewest1802 said:

Thanks for the replies. This page on the .gov website states that you can get more than the SAR if you're under 35 and on PIP (see screenshot).

I'm just wondering if PIP would also entitle you to get more than the LHA bedroom rate, if over 35 too, if that makes sense?

As already advised, it doesn't.

Alice_Holt said:

.. if over 35. The usual LHA bedroom count applies.

For somebody under 35 they are normally only allowed the shared room rate. If they get Daily Living PIP they are entitled to the one bedroom rate. That's the extra they get.

If you are 35 or over you are entitled to the one bedroom rate anyway and getting PIP makes no difference.

bigbill

If you have an extra bedroom you could possibly get allowed the 2 bedroom LHA rate if you have an occasional overnight carer stay?