Local Housing allowance

GlasweJen

I know there's loads on this but I can't find what I'm looking for about the site.

Basically I have to move home. I understand that despite being a student I can claim LHA as I am disabled. I am under 25. Due to my disability I lose conciousness unexpectedly for up to 30 minutes at a time. I have no one to move in with in the area so I'll be looking for a one bed flat because I don't want to faint around a stranger and put myself at risk of being attacked/robbed or whatever.

Unfortunately due to my age the LHA will be paid at sharing rate which is £260/month in my area but one-bed flats are £450+ per month.

Basically I want to know if there's any way around the under 25 rules considering that sharing would put me at risk?

healy

I have found this and hope it is of some help:38. Will there be any flexibility in LHA to reflect the needs of customers with disabilities?We appreciate that disabled customers can be limited in the type of property that they can rent because they may require a more expensive home without stairs or closer to local facilities. They may also need larger property for specialist equipment. Single disabled customers, under 25 and in receipt of Severe Disability Premium, will qualify for a higher rate of LHA rather than the shared accommodation bedroom rate. However, other disabled customers will not be entitled to a higher rate and we feel, rather than adjusting the LHA rate for all people with disabilities, local authorities will be able to continue to use discretionary housing payments, to ensure that these customers can find decent accommodation that meets their needs.http://www.dwp.gov.uk/housingbenefit/faq/lha/sect2/size-criteria.asp

lil_me

Taken from http://lha-direct.therentservice.gov.uk/

Q. I am severely disabled. Which LHA rate applies to me?

A. If you are severely disabled, or live with a severely disabled partner, and have no dependent children, your benefit will be based on the one bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate.
The actual rates are displayed in the Local Housing Allowance Rates section of LHA-Direct. For more information, please get in touch with the Local Authority where you want to live.

This however may not cover the rent on one bedroom properties in your area, many LHA rates don't seem to be covering average rentals in a lot of areas.

GlasweJen

I don't think I'm classed as severely disabled because I get middle care and not higher care component of DLA. I wouldn't mind sharing but none of my friends are looking to move, my current flatmates are leaving the area.

I can afford to pay towards my rent it's just the big barrier with the age thing.

GlasweJen

Also, while I'm at it I figured I might as well ask. I'll need some minor adaptions to the new home but as its private rented do I need permission from the landlord? We're talking 2 or 3 panic buttons and handrails for the bath - nothing major.

lil_me

You would be bet seeking permission regardless.

To qualify as severely disabled from what I have read you would need to qualify for the Severe Disability Premium which is added to IS etc. You would be better contacting the council office where you will be applying for LHA to discuss that I think.

GlasweJen

I don't even know where that is lol! I'm really new to the benefits thing (well except DLA but mum always dealt with that). I'll do some scouting about tomorrow.

Thank you both for your help.

real1314

You would get the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) if you lived alone and as long as no-one gets Carers Allowance for you. SDP is payable for people who get either the middle or the higher rate of the care component of DLA.

GlasweJen

thanks for that! I'm not sure who to talk to about all this, is it worthwhile making a visit to see welfare rights? I can't go to CAB because the closest one is miles away and they don't do telephone advice

WellWisher_2

Hi there!

Have you tried the Youreable.com web-site - it is very helpful. The link is:

www.youreable.com

Good luck.