Housing benefit may not cover full rent, but only the cost considered reasonable according to the needs of the individual. If the accommodation is considered too expensive or too large the tenant will have to make up the shortfall. Housing benefit amount depends on income and capital (including income/capital of a cohabiting partner). If you live with someone else who could be expected to pay rent, a set amount will be deducted from your housing benefit. Housing benefit will not cover bills, council tax, water (even if included in the rent)
Local Housing Allowance is a new system replacing housing benefit for private renters, which is usually paid to the tenant rather than direct to the landlord. This could be an additional complication for young people with little or no experience of managing a budget. Local Housing Allowance is being piloted in Wandsworth and it aims to give private tenants on benefits more choice. They can choose to rent a more expensive property and pay the remaining rent not covered by the Local Housing Allowance or a less expensive property and keep the difference.
Most single private renters under 25 can only get enough housing benefit/local housing allowance to cover the cost of a single room in a shared house and will have to pay the shortfall themselves, even those who live on their own.
Social Services must by law support care leavers financially until they are 18, including accommodation costs. 16 – 17 year olds who have left care will probably not be entitled to housing benefit
Most full-time students in higher education are not entitled to housing benefit, unless they:
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Local Housing Allowance for Private Renters 