Housing Benefit and Universal Credit for Renters
How to claim housing costs through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. LHA rates explained.
Housing costs can be covered through Universal Credit (if you're working age) or Housing Benefit (if you're pension age). Here's how the system works.
Universal Credit Housing Element
If you're working age, you claim Universal Credit which includes money towards your rent (the 'housing element'). This is based on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for your area.
- LHA is based on the cheapest 30% of private rents in your area
- You get an amount based on how many bedrooms you need
- Single people under 35 usually only get the shared accommodation rate
- There's a benefit cap that may limit your total benefits
Bedroom Rules
- 1 bedroom for each adult couple
- 1 bedroom for any other adult aged 16+
- 1 bedroom for 2 children under 16 of the same sex
- 1 bedroom for 2 children under 10
- 1 bedroom for any other child
- 1 extra bedroom if you or a household member needs overnight care
If LHA Doesn't Cover Your Rent
If your rent is higher than the LHA rate, you'll need to pay the difference yourself. You may be able to get extra help through Discretionary Housing Payments.
Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) through your local council. This can help cover shortfalls, deposits, or rent in advance.
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