Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance is a way of working out claims for Housing Benefit from tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord.
LHA will not affect you if you rent from the Council or a Housing Association; if your tenancy started before 1989; if you rent a caravan; or live in a hotel or hostel.
The Government changed the rules on 1st January 2012:
- single claimants under 35 years making a new claim, will only receive the shared accommodation rate
- current single claimants under 35 years will receive the shared accommodation rate when their claim is next reviewed
- this new rule does not apply to couples, claimants with children, claimants with middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance
- there are some other very limited exemptions
Download or view the documents below.
- Information for Claimants
- Information for Landlords
- Application for direct Payment to Landlord
- Claimants Application for Direct payment to Landlord
- Rates for April 2012
- Rates for March 2012
- Rates for February 2012
- Use our online Bedroom Calculator to find your Local Housing Allowance category.
Housing benefit application forms
For help, information or an application form phone: (01786) 443210 or email Financial Services
Full details about Local Housing Allowance are available from the Department of Work and Pensions
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