Changes for Single People aged under 35
Housing Benefit changed from 1 January 2012 for single people aged 25 to 34 who rent from a private landlord. Prior to that date, most young people aged under 25 were only entitled to Local Housing Allowance at the shared accommodation rate. From 1 January 2012 this rule applies to single people aged up to 35 who will no longer receive Housing Benefit based on one bedroom self-contained accommodation. This means that many people aged 25 to 34 living in self-contained accommodation will have a shortfall between the amount of benefit paid and the rent.
New claims
From 1 January 2012, if you make a new claim for local housing allowance, the maximum payment will be the same as the amount for a room in shared accommodation in your area. If you made a new claim for Housing Benefit before 1 January 2012, the changes will affect you from your next yearly review.
If you are already getting local housing allowance
If you are already renting a self-contained property and claimed local housing allowance from 1 April 2011 onwards, your benefit will be reduced to the shared accommodation rate on the anniversary of your claim. This will also apply if you claimed before 8 April 2008.
If you claimed Local Housing Allowance between 8 April 2008 and 1 April 2011, your benefit will be reduced nine months before the anniversary of your claim
Exceptions
Some people aged under 35 will not be affected by these rules, and you may be able to claim for self-contained accommodation if you:
- have lived in and received resettlement support for three months or more from hostels for homeless people, domestic violence refuges, or drug rehabilitation hostels, before moving to the private rented sector;
- have left prison and your housing has been arranged under the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) – for managing the risk posed by sexual and violent offenders;
- are severely disabled, are receiving the middle or highest care component of disability living allowance), and live with a non-dependant (for example, an older relative);
- are entitled to an extra bedroom for a non-resident carer.
If you need help
If you cannot afford to pay the extra amount for your rent, you may be able to get extra help for a limited period. If this is the case, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This payment depends on your circumstances and applying for it does not mean that you automatically qualify for it.
Where to Get More Information
You can get more information from the South Hams District Council Benefits Team or Housing Advice on 01803 861234.
You can find out your local shared accommodation rate by going to our Local Housing Allowance page.
Detailed information is available on the Directgov website: Money, tax and benefits. Directgov provides information on public service in one place including up-to-date information on Housing benefit changes.
To help plan for the changes you can compare the current rates against the likely new rates for where you live, on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website.
Shelter offers confidential advice for young people – go to: Shelter wesbite: Advice for young people.
