Important information for Private Tenants
Housing Benefit changed from April 2011
The Government made changes to the way Housing Benefit is calculated for private tenants from 1st April 2011.
If you are renting from a private landlord and you made your claim for Housing Benefit at your current address on or after 7th April 2008, it is likely that you will be affected by these changes.
The Changes
- The maximum £15 weekly Housing Benefit excess that some customers receive under Local Housing Allowance will end.
- The five bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate will be removed so the maximum Local Housing Allowance level is for a four bedroom property.
- Absolute caps will be introduced so that Local Housing Allowance rates in any area cannot exceed:
- £250 (per week) for a one bedroom property
- £290 (per week) for a two bedroom property
- £340 (per week) for a three bedroom property
- £400 (per week) for a four bedroom property
- All Local Housing allowance rates will be reduced so that about three in ten properties for rent in the area should be affordable to people on Housing Benefit rather than every five in ten properties as now.
- An additional bedroom within the size criteria will be introduced where a disabled customer or their partner has a need for overnight care that is provided by a non-resident carer
When will the changes take affect?
If you make a new claim you will be affected immediately
If you are already getting Housing Benefit you will not be assessed under the new arrangements until the anniversary of your claim occurring (the date you made your first claim). For example, if you claimed Housing Benefit on 5th September 2010 your anniversary date is 5th September 2011. The changes may affect you sooner if you move or your household changes.
There may also be a further protection of up to nine months.
If you think these changes may affect you and you would like some further information please contact the Benefits team:
Phone - 01327 322140
Email - benefits@southnorthants.gov.uk
South Northamptonshire Council
Springfields
Towcester