Benefit Changes

Housing Benefit has changed from January 2012.
Are you single, under 35 years and a private tenant?

Previously help with rent was limited to the shared accommodation rate for single people under the age of 25 living in accommodation they rent from a private landlord.

Since 1 January 2012 this has been extended to people aged under 35. This means that single people under 35 will not receive Housing Benefit based on one bedroom self-contained accommodation but on the Shared Accommodation Rate.

The leaflet below gives further information on the changes.

Increase in Non-dependant deductions from April 2012

The next planned increase in the deductions taken from Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for other adults living in your home take effect from April 2012. The lowest deduction has increased from £9.40 to £11.45 a week.

The income bands have also been increased - in line with average increases in earnings.
A full list of the rates are contained in the resources box below.

'Freezing' of Local Housing Allowance Rates from April 2012

Prior to April 2012 Local Housing Allowance Rates were set each month by the Valuation Office Agency. A new claim for Local Housing Allowance was based on the Local Housing Allowance Rate set for the month the claim was made.

From April 2013 the Government intends to increase the Local Housing Allowance Rates each April by the Consumer Price Index. In preparation for this change the Local Housing Allowance Rates will be 'frozen' from April 12 for one year. The LHA rates which currently apply can be found on the LHA Rates page.