(There are additional rules if you have just come into Great Britain
from abroad. Make sure that you are aware of these rules before you put
in a claim for Housing Benefit.)
Married couples or those living with a partner
If you are married or you live with a partner, then only one of you is
entitled to claim Housing Benefit. The exception is, if you are 60 years
old – or older – and also get the Guarantee Credit of Pensions Credit.
(If you have more than £16,000 saved up, then this usually means that
you cannot obtain Housing Benefit.
If you have savings of £6,000 or more – then this will affect the amount
of housing benefit you will receive.
Single and under 25?
If you are, then you come under a different set of rules.
If you have moved into the UK within two years of claiming housing
benefit, then this will probably affect your claim and how much – if
anything – you are entitled to!
If you are an asylum seeker, or you have been ‘sponsored’ to be in the
United Kingdom, then you are not entitled to Housing Benefit.
Together with this, if you live with an uncle, aunt or other close
relation, or if you live in one of their properties, then you cannot
normally get Housing Benefit.
Additionally, you will not be entitled to Housing Benefit if you are a
full time student. If you are disabled or have young children, then you
can probably get Housing Benefit.
How much is Housing Benefit – and how much are you entitled to?
Your local council will work this out for you.
They will take into account, the money that you and your partner have
coming in by way of earnings. This will include income such as other
benefits, tax credits, and pensions etc.
They will also want to know how much you and your partner have as
savings.
They will also take into account, and will want to know about, your
family, ages, disabilities, and also if there is anyone who lives with
you that could help with the rent!
The Rent and Size of your Home
The amount of rent you are paying must be reasonable for the home that
you are living in, together with which, they will expect that your home
is of a reasonable size for your particular circumstances. For instance,
if you are single and are renting a three-bedroom house, then your
Housing Benefit is unlikely to go far in paying the rent for that!
They will also assess that the rent you are paying, is typical for the
area in which you live.
Basically they will come to a decision on what they feel your ‘eligible
rent’ should be. It may well be that you are paying more rent than this.
But, you cannot expect them to pay over the odds – just because you feel
that you are entitled to live in your own spacious palace. Try if you
like, but be prepared for a disappointment!
You can appeal against the decision if you are refused housing
benefit.
3rd Dec 2009
The council at Westminster City has
asked the government to sort out the housing benefit system. Why?
They were obliged to pay out £1,600 per week in rent for 8 people -
in the same family - to live in a rather luxurious house.
The house is at the upper end of the
allowable rent set out by the government, for 6 bedroom
accommodation!
Cllr Phillipa Roe said, "The housing benefit system needs a radical
review."
A spokesperson from the DWP said,
"We will launch our consultation on further reforms to housing
benefit shortly, because we want the system to be fair, both to
families in need and the taxpayer."
Have you had a good - or Bad experience to relate that may help
our visitors -
Email us here We may publish your comments (anonymous)
Back to Homes &
Houses Main page |
