Housing benefit
[ch 6: pages 69-70]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.