Moving to what might be shared accommodation, will this affect what I get?

AnxiousCapybara

Hi, this is probably a stupid question, but here goes,

Right now as someone 35 years old with UC (LCWRA) and enhanced rate of PIP, I get the housing element of UC up to the 1 bedroom LHA rate. Soon though I'm going to be moving into what is at least semi-shared accommodation: I have my own room and my own bathroom, but there's a shared kitchen area.

Will this change what I get for the housing element? I know there's a lower shared accommodation rate, but I don't know if whether you get that is purely based on age/entitlement or if it's changed by where you're living.

Kimi87

With LHA you receive your entitlement regardless of where you live.

You are entitled to the one bedroom rate, so you will receive the one bedroom rate even if you live in shared accommodation.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/local_housing_allowance_lha_for_private_renters

AnxiousCapybara

Thanks, Kimi87, that clears things up a lot for me and has helped put me at ease.

Mary_Scope

Hi @AnxiousCapybara and a warm welcome to the community from me!

I see Kimi has already answered your question and given some good advice so I won't add anything else today but it's lovely to have you here and I hope you enjoy your time on the forum😊