Universal credit and housing benefit

dkuk2020

Hi,
I'm currently living at home but looking to move out soon. I'm also receiving ESA. I need to find out roughly how much housing support I can get. I know this can only be done properly when I have a specific flat in mind. When on check the LHA site based on a flatshare the rate is £150 per week but a 1 bedroom is £250 per week. I'm looking for either a studio or a flatshare - a flatshare being more likely with 1-3 others. I know there are online forms to help with this on the gov.uk site i.e turn to us and entitled to but I find the forms to complicated to do on my own. Can anyone help with this?

philip500

i live in great yarmouth near the sea side, you are welcome to stop here it is up to you, many thanks

chiarieds

Hi @dkuk2020 - Welcome to the community. I'm sorry you're finding the forms you mention complicated, but I'll ask a member of the Scope team to advise you tomorrow.

woodbine

Hi @dkuk2020 welcome to scope, LHA depends also on your age under 35 and you will only get the rate for a one bedroom, you can check on the councils website for the different rates for your area and these are the maximum amounts they will pay if the rent is dearer you would have to make up any difference.

Adrian_Scope

Hello @dkuk2020. Can I ask whether you are over or under 35 and whether you receive PIP?

If you are under 35 and don't receive PIP, you'll be entitled to the Shared Room rate LHA (regardless of the property you're in). If you're over 35, or receive PIP, you should receive the 1 bed rate.
https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

dkuk2020

Thanks alot for all your responses much appreciated! I am 38 and not receiving PIP just Employment and support. I checked a site with LHA details (https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx?Postcode=nw11%2b9rj&LHACategory=1&Month=5&Year=2020)

I'm not sure how reliable this site is looks quite offical. According do this for a specific flat I'm seeing (2 bed sharing with with other person) tonight the rate quoted is 300 per week (1200) per month. This is alot and surely not the case?

Adrian_Scope

Hello @dkuk2020. The LHA you've linked to is correct and accurate, but without knowing the area you're moving to I couldn't check the figures. 
Regardless of the property size, if you're claiming benefits as a single person, aged 38, with no children, you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate (or the maximum rent, if that is lower than the LHA).

dkuk2020

Thanks for that Adrian. I dont know the exact location i'll be moving to yet but it will be in North West London area. That quote is for a flat in golders green.

dkuk2020

I feel I need to find out for sure if this is the case Adrian and have contacted the paperweight trust to help with this.