Housing Benefit

From April 2013 Housing Benefit paid to you will be paid in relation to the number of bedrooms the Government deem appropriate for the size of your family (please click on Bedroom Tax tab for further details)’

From (potentially) October 2013 depending on when your benefit claim ‘migrates’ to Universal Credit – your Housing Benefit will be paid directly to you as part of your Universal Credit award. This means YOU will be responsible for using this money to pay your monthly rent charge and service charge/s. Your landlord will not receive any funds from Housing Benefit as has previously been the case.

For most of our tenants who receive Housing Benefit, this will be a change to how your rent (or at least part of your rent) is normally paid. It is therefore important you are aware of the different methods you can use to pay your rent. This is something we will be happy to discuss with you when we visit you at your home.

In the mean time it is worth pointing out your Housing Benefit levels will be reduced if you have other adults living with you. These people are known as non-dependants. They are assumed to be contributing to rent. The amounts, which are set down by law, are to increase significantly over the next few years. In April 2012 the lowest rate increased from £9.40 per week to £11.45 per week. If these adults work, the money deducted from your benefit is much higher. Now may be a good time to talk to people living with you to discuss what they pay you to help with the cost of running your home.