Housing Benefit - Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is designed as a fairer and simpler way of helping towards rent payments. It began on the 7 April 2008 and affects those in the private rented sector. The details below are on outline of the scheme. To work out your LHA rate and to see what rates apply to Rutland please use the information below and the rates in the file at the bottom of this page. Will it affect me? Only if: - You rent from a private landlord (not a Housing Association).
- You make a new claim, move address, or have a break in your existing claim for Housing Benefit.
How is LHA worked out? LHA will be based upon a flat-rate according to who lives with you and the area of the county you live in. How much you get will then depend upon: - Your rent (you can receive up to £15 a week more than your rent to spend as you wish).
- Your income.
- Your savings.
What LHA rate do I get? Your LHA rate is the number of bedrooms you need, with one bedroom allowed for: - You (together with your partner if you have one).
- Any other adult aged 16 or over.
- Any two children of either sex aged under 10.
- Any two children of the same sex aged under 16.
- Any other child.
For instance, a couple with sons aged 15, 9, & 7, plus a daughter aged 13 would be entitled to the 4 bedroom LHA rate (one bedroom for themselves, one for their sons aged 9 and 7, one for their eldest son, and one for their daughter). What if I live alone? If you live alone you will get the 1 bedroom LHA rate provided you are aged 25 or more. Otherwise you can only get the shared room rate for exclusive use of a bedroom with the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet shared. What about the area I live in? Slightly different LHA rates will apply according to whether you live in the west of the county, the east, or the far south. The latest rates are in the file at the bottom of this page. How much will I actually get? This will be worked out the same way Housing Benefit is now, according to your income and savings. However, this will be based upon your LHA rate and not your rent (although the LHA rate will be capped at £15 above your rent). You will be able to work out your LHA rate and using our online benefits calculator estimate how much LHA you will receive. How will I be paid? LHA will be paid four-weekly in arrears to you straight into your bank or building society account. We cannot pay directly to your landlord unless there are special circumstances. For most people this means you will be responsible for paying your landlord and will need to open a bank account, if you do not already have one. Where can I find out more? Further information can be found at the LHA Direct website where you can also search for LHA rates by Local Authority or post code. Things to Remember This will not affect you if: - You claim Housing Benefit now (until you move address or have a break in your claim).
- You rent from a Housing Association.
- Your rent is registered as a fair rent.
- Your tenancy started before 1989.
- Your tenancy includes a provision for care, support, or supervision which is provided by social landlords, charities, or voluntary organisations.
- You rent a caravan, mobile home, or houseboat.
- Your rent includes substantial board (unless the Rent Officer decides otherwise).
Files
Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP Telephone : 01572 722577 Fax : 01572 758307 Email : enquiries@rutland.gov.uk Last updated : 23/08/2010 09:30:16
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