Housing benefit

Social rented sector claims

New rules restricting eligible rent if you are considered to be under- occupying your accommodation, the bedroom tax, came into force in April 2013. Any working age claimant who is considered to be under occupying has a:

• 14% reduction in their eligible rent for one spare bedroom;

• 25% reduction in their eligible rent for two or more spare bedrooms.

You are entitled to one bedroom for the following people in your household:

• every adult couple (married or unmarried);

• any other adult aged 16 or over, including non dependents;

• any two children of the same sex aged under 16;

• any two children aged under 10;

• any other child (other than a foster child or child whose main home is elsewhere);

• a carer (or team of carers) who do not live with you but provide you or your partner with overnight care;

• a sub-tenant;

• a boarder.

How is Housing Benefit paid?

The payment of housing benefit as part of Universal Credit is currently being rolled out across the country with the following limits:

• £500 per week for families with children;

• £350 per week for individuals.

See chapter 1 for further information about Universal Credit, the Benefit Cap and Housing Benefit.