Housing benefit cap and transfer

Timothy_Richards

Hi,

My father in-law lives in Kent and we want to transfer him to Brighton. He receives housing benefit because he is mentally unwell.

Can I transfer his housing benefit - or do I have to cancel it in Kent and then re-apply in Brighton?

And is there a cap to how much housing benefit can be paid - as his rent maybe higher in Brighton?

Thank you Tim

HillStreetBlues

Timothy_Richards said:

Hi,

My father in-law lives in Kent and we want to transfer him to Brighton. He receives housing benefit because he is mentally unwell.

Can I transfer his housing benefit - or do I have to cancel it in Kent and then re-apply in Brighton?

And is there a cap to how much housing benefit can be paid - as his rent maybe higher in Brighton?

Thank you Tim

As different councils won't be able to transfer. What type of accommodation will your father move to?  as he might have to claim UC to get rent paid.

Timothy_Richards

HillStreetBlues said:

Timothy_Richards said:

Hi,

My father in-law lives in Kent and we want to transfer him to Brighton. He receives housing benefit because he is mentally unwell.

Can I transfer his housing benefit - or do I have to cancel it in Kent and then re-apply in Brighton?

And is there a cap to how much housing benefit can be paid - as his rent maybe higher in Brighton?

Thank you Tim

As different councils won't be able to transfer. What type of accommodation will your father move to?  as he might have to claim UC to get rent paid.

Thanks, probably just a 1 bed flat as he's fairly self sufficient - just a bit elderly and low in mood

HillStreetBlues

Timothy_Richards said:

HillStreetBlues said:

Timothy_Richards said:

Hi,

My father in-law lives in Kent and we want to transfer him to Brighton. He receives housing benefit because he is mentally unwell.

Can I transfer his housing benefit - or do I have to cancel it in Kent and then re-apply in Brighton?

And is there a cap to how much housing benefit can be paid - as his rent maybe higher in Brighton?

Thank you Tim

As different councils won't be able to transfer. What type of accommodation will your father move to?  as he might have to claim UC to get rent paid.

Thanks, probably just a 1 bed flat as he's fairly self sufficient - just a bit elderly and low in mood

Sorry I totally forgot the age of your father-in law as that makes a difference.

Timothy_Richards

Is there a cap to how much housing benefit can be paid - as his rent maybe higher in Brighton?

Spoonie_Turtle

Yes, the maximum amount varies according to area.  Check here https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

If he is over pension age then it will still be Housing Benefit, if under pension age he will have to claim Universal Credit (unless it's one of a few certain types of accommodation). 

The weekly amount is still the same though for HB and UC; to convert to a monthly amount, x52 ÷12.

HillStreetBlues

There is a cap it's the LHA
https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Timothy_Richards

Thanks for that.

Going to that website it asks "Select how many bedrooms you are entitled to under LHA" .... how do I find this out? He currently has 1 bedroom for his housing benefit

HillStreetBlues

Timothy_Richards said:

Thanks for that.

Going to that website it asks "Select how many bedrooms you are entitled to under LHA" .... how do I find this out? He currently has 1 bedroom for his housing benefit

If it's just him then one bedroom unless carers have to stay overnight

Timothy_Richards

Thanks everyone for all your help

Newcad

All of the above assumes that he will be moving to another private rental.

However if he is moving into Social Housing/Council Housing then the LHA cap will not apply and he will get the full rent for a 1-bedroom flat - less any utility changes that may be included in that rent (eg. The water bill is often included in Social rents).

PS. I believe that's what HSB meant when he asked what 'type of accommodation' it would be; Private rental or Social rental, (or maybe even supported accommodation or a care home.).