The Local Housing Allowance rate is based on the number of bedrooms a tenant is allowed, the number of living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms is ignored (unless in shared accommodation).

One bedroom is allowed for each of the following:

• A single person aged 35 or over or a couple


• Two children of the same sex under the age of 16


• Two children of the opposite sex under the age of 10


• Any other child


• Any other adult living with you who is 16 years old or over

Additional room for a non resident carer

From 1 April 2011, Central Government changed the regulations for the Local Housing Allowance size criteria to allow an additional room for a non-resident carer where:

• There is an established need for overnight care and that care is provided by someone else outside the household


• The property has an actual additional bedroom, which is used for the non resident carer to sleep in.

If you think you meet the above criteria, please contact us on 01642 726005 where a benefit advisor will be happy to discuss this with you. You may be asked to provide further information from a GP etc, to confirm the details.

Single people aged under 35

Housing benefit entitlement is restricted to the shared accommodation rate of Local Housing Allowance.

Exemptions to the shared accommodation rate for those aged under 35

You may not be restricted to the shared accommodation rate if you:

• Have a non dependant living in the household


• Receive the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance and qualify for a severe disability premium


• Have an additional bedroom and there is an established need for a non resident overnight carer


• Are blind


• Are aged under 22 and were formerly in the care of social services

In addition to the above, there are further exemptions to the shared accommodation rate for those aged between 25 to 34 as outlined below:

• If you have spent three months or more in a homeless hostel which assists in rehabilitation and resettlement


• If you are at risk of sleeping rough


• If you are an ex-offender placed with a multi agency under the Criminal Justice Act 2003

If you think one of the exemptions may apply to you, or one of your tenants if you are a private landlord, it is important that you contact the benefits office to discuss this further.

Alternatively you can print the 'Under 35 exemption claim form' [11kb] (Opens in a new window) and return the completed form to Benefit Services straight away. Please note you may be asked to provide evidence to support your application.