Housing benefit

Social rented sector claims from 1 April 2013

From 1 April 2013, new rules will restrict eligible rent if you are considered to be under occupying your accommodation, the so-called “bedroom tax”. Any working age claimant who is considered to be under occupying will have a:

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

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

You will be 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 dependants;

• 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.

If you might be affected by these new rules your local authority will write to you to confirm the information they hold. They will then write again to confirm what the changes will be to your Housing Benefit.