Local Housing Allowance - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out which rate applies to me?

View the Local Housing Allowance rates PDF.

2. Can I find out how much Benefit I will get before I move in to a property?

Prior to accepting a tenancy or moving in to a private property we strongly advise that you find out how much benefit you would be likely to get if you applied.

The rate of local housing allowance that applies to you and your household depends on:

• Who lives with you and the number of bedrooms your family needs
• The area you live in

The local housing allowance rates vary depending on the size of the property. These rates are set by an independent Rent Officer, based on local rents. You may get less than the maximum rate depending on your circumstances.

3. How many bedrooms do I need?

You are allowed one bedroom for:

• every adult couple (same or opposite sex)
• any other adult aged 16 or over
• any two children of the same sex aged under 16
• any two children under age 10
• any other child

Use the bedroom calculator to see how many bedrooms you are entitled to.

Example 1

Reena and Suki are a couple who have a child, Ben, who is nine years old. They are entitled to one bedroom for themselves and one for Ben. 

This means any benefit they are entitled to will be based on the Local Housing Allowance rate for two bedrooms.

Example 2

Susan is a single mother who has three children, Tom, who is fourteen, Judy who is eleven and Raymond who is six.

Susan is entitled to one bedroom for herself, one bedroom for Judy and one bedroom for Tom and Raymond to share. This means any benefit they are entitled to will be based on the Local Housing allowance rate for three bedrooms.

Example 3

Lisa and Matt are a couple who have five children, Shaun, who is seventeen, Graham, who is fifteen, Laura, who is twelve, Millie, who is nine and Jessica, who is six.

They are entitled to one bedroom for themselves, one bedroom for Shaun, one bedroom for Laura and Millie to share,  one bedroom for Graham and one bedroom for Jessica. This means any benefit they are entitled to will be based on the Local Housing Allowance rate for four bedrooms, as there is no longer a 5 bedroom rate.

The maximum level is for a 4 bedroom property.