Housing Benefit

If you are a private tenant, we will use the Local Housing Allowance (gov.uk) (opens new window) to decide the maximum amount of Housing Benefit that we can pay you. It is based on the location and size of accommodation you require, rather than the rent that is being charged. The amount of Housing Benefit you will receive will depend on the LHA rate that is applied after also taking into account your financial and household circumstances.

Use the LHA website to help you:

• find out how the scheme works (opens new window)
• calculate how many bedrooms your family is entitled to (opens new window)
• see the current LHA rates for any area of the country (opens new window)

Circumstances where the LHA does not apply:

• you live in a property which is owned by the council
• you are a tenant of a Registered Social Landlord (this includes most housing associations)
• you live in supported housing
• your tenancy started before 15 January 1989
• you live in a caravan, houseboat or hostel
• the amount of Housing Benefit we will pay you is based upon your individual circumstances, so the actual amount you receive may be less than the LHA figure