Housing Benifit

[GypsyGSD]

If pensioners are awarded housing benefit in a 3 bedroom privately rented house they move to a two bedromm house with lower rent would there benefit be reduced to they only have state pension as income

[sandyRoe]

If they moved they'd need to make a fresh claim. They might get less if the accommodation is smaller.

[Svejk]

Housing Benefit is only to pay your rent, it isn't part of your income.
The Labour government had a scheme where you got the difference, or part of it, in rent for 12 months. But I expect that has been discontinued(thank goodness)

[Svejk]

Ah yes, HB will be reduced to cover the rent. (or increased)

[Svejk]

I should say, I'm no expert. Some people on here work in HB and whatnot. They'll be about tomorrow, I expect.

[Mamyalynne]

You usually get an amount that your age and other circumstances allow - used to be called the LHA (Local Housing Allowance).

For example I live in a 2 bed apartment but only get the allowance I am due,ie for a one bedded property.

[GypsyGSD]

Thank you for replys they have never claimed a penny and they want to move as they feel guilty having 3 bedrooms but they need two even though its private rental

[Svejk]

Pensioners aren't affected by the 'bedroom tax', mamya.
It might be quite stressful for them, moving about, depending on their age etc. Tell them not to feel guilty, lol.

[GypsyGSD]

So if they move to a two bedroom house they may get more help ?

[bednobs]

i am confused, when you say would their benefit be reduced, do you mean housing benefit? If so how does that tie in with "they have never claimed"

[Mamyalynne]

I beg yourpardon then, I must be wrong -gosh no ,no guilt should be felt at all.

[GypsyGSD]

They have only claimed for the last few months 1 is 67 the other 63 they have tried to continue to work but I'll health has stopped them they due to circumstance moved to private rental they have 200 pound at moment monthly to help with housing costs but have been told they could claim a little more if they moved again to smaller house

[Svejk]

Out of my depth here. It must be tied to savings, etc. I thought HB covered people's full rent, except they fell foul of 'bedroom tax'.

[GypsyGSD]

I'm confused to but I don't they have any savings as such to effect anything

[factor-fiction]

It is a bit confusing but we probably don't have enough information- they should seek guidance from CAB or the housing benefit people or one of the bodies that gives advice in this area

[EDDIE51]

For private rental the amount you can claim in HB is limited to the amount set by the areas LHA as you have been told. So, If the LHA for the area is £200 a week that is the most you can claim no matter what size the house is. By moving to a smaller house with lower rent the LHA may then cover the entire rent so you pay nothing.
You can see the problem in places like London where a 1 bed flat can be£1600 a week rent, only the very rich can afford to live there even on maximum HB !

[GypsyGSD]

Again thank you for replys very helpful and I wish it was 200 a week lol not monthly then they would have no problem

[EDDIE51]

I think you are confused LHA is £156 a week for a 2 bed house in my area hertfordshire. The lowest LHAs are well over £100 week and up to £350 a week in London and big cities.

[EDDIE51]

LHA calculator here
http://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx
Put in your postcode or local authority to find the LHA

[tamborine]

Check your council for HA rates. Below has a pdf file showing 3bed rate is £272pw & 2bed is £222.

http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/13313;jsessionid=0D8BBE2AC19B0742FDBDCCC6B45A539F

[EDDIE51]

I think the reason they only get £200 a month must be due to their income , do they have a private pension , wages or investment income?
Get them to go to the CAB and ask them to work out what they should get.