Changes to housing benefit from January 2012
What is changing?
The government has announced plans to bring forward changes that will affect entitlement to housing benefit for single people who are aged under 35.
From 1 January 2012, single people who are aged under 35 will only be entitled to have their housing benefit assessed based on the shared room rate of local housing allowance rather than the one-bedroom rate.
What if I am already getting housing benefit?
You could get less housing benefit in future if you are aged under 35 and living in self-contained accommodation.
How much housing benefit will I get?
From April 2012 the shared accommodation Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for the central Greater Manchester area is £64.62 and this will not change until April 2013.
When will this affect me?
This will depend on your specific circumstances:
- The shared room rate of local housing allowance will be used to work out housing benefit entitlement for single people aged under 35 making a new claim for housing benefit on or after 1 January 2012.
- People already getting housing benefit before 1 January 2012 who are single and aged under 35 will have their housing benefit re-assessed when their transitional protection period ends.
- People already getting housing benefit before 1 January 2012 who are single aged under 35 not receiving transitional protection will have their housing benefit re-assessed on the anniversary of their claim.
Does it affect everyone in this group?
There are some exemptions to these changes:
- People who qualify for a Severe Disability Premium.
- Ex-offenders over 25 who are subject to active multi-agency management under the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
- People who have spent three months or more in a homeless hostel, or more than one hostel, specialising in rehabilitating and resettling this group within the community.
Will I be told if my housing benefit changes?
We will write to you if the amount of housing benefit you get changes.
What can I do if I need help with these changes?
If you are concerned that you will struggle to pay the shortfall between your housing benefit and the rent that your landlord charges we recommend you talk to your landlord as soon as possible. We have a dedicated team who can provide practical help and support and could also help you in talks with your landlord. You will also be able to look at several options that may be available to help you with the shortfall. From 1 December 2011, the team can be contacted by phone on 0845 120 2093 (local rate number) or visit Help With Rent.
Where else can I get advice?
- Salford Welfare Rights Service. Advice, support and representation on benefits and tax credits. Telephone advice line: 0800 345 7375.
- Salford Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Wide range of advice. Based in Pendleton, Eccles, Swinton, Irlam and Walkden - for addresses look in the phone book, Yellow Pages. Telephone: 0844 826 9695.
- Salford Housing Options. Advice and support with immediate housing problems or future housing needs. Telephone: 0161 793 2020. Text: 07966 316 206.
- Shelter. Confidential housing, welfare benefits and debt advice through a network of advice services. Telephone advice helpline: 0808 800 4444 from 8.00am to 8.00pm from Monday to Friday and from 8.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
This page was last updated on 20 April 2012
