Bedroom Tax

dianeedwards18

I've been paying bedroom tax since the very beginning, on a social housing property.  Apart from the negative fight back, at the very beginning, it seems to have lost all its momentum and thus far the charge is showing no signs of ending.
I am on Universal Credit and receive Housing Benefit to the tune of £431.24 which does not cover the complete £574.99.  I am still paying the 2 spare bedroom tax of £143.75 and have for many years, even though both children have left home many years ago.

Has anyone got any suggestions??  I am on the very verge of managing financially.  The local council claims that there are claimant that are in a far dire need then I am and therefore at the present time I do not qualify for Discretionary Housing Payments.
Thank you in advance for any helpful suggestions
Diane

[Deleted User]

I believe bedroom tax applies to social/council housing that has unoccupied bedrooms and is a way to incentivise people downsizing/freeing up bigger properties for those who need them. 

Have you thought about downsizing/exchanging into a property of more appropriate size? It’s also what Shelter’s next recommendation is after the discretionary top ups which you say you aren’t eligible for. 

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/how_to_deal_with_the_bedroom_tax

Middle_of_the_Road

I was told that to be treated as a bedroom, the room must be of a certain minimum size. Some third bedrooms fall under the required minimum, and should be disregarded. Maybe worth checking.

calcotti

As ndrw says, trying to see if you can get a smaller council property is the way to reduce your financial stress - but not easy to do.

KxMx

I would look into downsizing - your local council may even have an incentive scheme. 
My Mum recently went from a 3 bed house to 1 bed sheltered flat. 
She was top priority on the bidding system, waited 6 months for the location she wanted, bid for the first time and was offered the property. 
She had flooring and moving expenses paid by council (there is a limit but a generous one), could leave anything she wanted behind in the old house which they cleared free of charge after she left, and a cash payment for her rent account being up to date. She also had a support worker throughout the process. 

While I'd strongly encourage downsizing - easier for you and frees up a property for a family in need as yours once was- the bedroom tax doesn't apply after state pension age, so housing benefit will cover 100% of your rent. Would hanging on until you reach that age be possible?

Edited to add: My local council wouldn't pay a DHP for someone in your circumstances, but if that person was taking active steps to downsize, then they more than likely would.