Social rented sector claims — the 'bedroom tax'


Rules restricting eligible rent if you are considered to be living in social housing (such as a council flat or housing association house) larger than you “need” and therefore “under-occupying” your accommodation, the so-called the “bedroom tax”, officially known as the “removal of the spare room subsidy”, came into force in April 2013. These rules were already in force for the private sector. Any working age claimant who is considered to be under-occupying has:


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


• a 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 who would share, where the shared bedrooms are already taken; 



• a non-residential carer providing you or your partner with overnight care.



One spare bedroom is allowed for: 



• an approved foster carer who is between placements, but only for up to 52 weeks from the end of the last placement; and 



• a newly approved foster carer for up to 52 weeks from the date of approval if no child is placed with them during that time. 



Rooms used by students and members of the armed or reserve forces are not counted as “spare” if they’re away and intend to return home.