Benefits FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How long does a claim take to process?
Q: From what date will my benefit be paid?
Q: Can I claim Housing Benefit if I work?
Q: I am self-employed - what information do I need to provide?
Q: What is Local Housing Allowance?
Q: What LHA Category/Bedroom Rate do I qualify for?
Q: I am a joint tenant. How will this affect the LHA I receive?
Q: Why do I have an overpayment?
Q: How will the overpayment be recovered/paid back?
Q: I might be starting work - how this will affect my benefits?
Q: Can my landlord be paid my Housing Benefit?
Q: How do my savings or capital affect my benefit?
Q: Why has my entitlement decreased when I have had no change in income or rent?
If you claim Local Housing Allowance and you have a sudden change in your benefit, it may be because you have reached your LHA anniversary date.
Once your award of Housing Benefit has been calculated using the appropriate rate of Local Housing Allowance, this rate will last for 12 months - unless there is a change of circumstances that results in a new rate being used (for example, a child is born and you require an extra bedroom).
If there has been no change in circumstances, Housing Benefit will be re-assessed after 12 months using the prevailing Local Housing Allowance rate. At this time the Local Housing Allowance rate may have increased, decreased or stayed the same at that in your assessment 12 months previously.
The council does not set Local Housing Allowance rates. They are set independently by the Valuation Office Agency. See Local Housing Allowance for more about this topic.
Note: Local Housing Allowance rules changed from April 2011. If you are an existing claimant you can be protected from the changes for up 9 months after your 2011 anniversary date. However if you have a change in circumstances the new LHA rates may affect you sooner.
See Local Housing Allowance for more about this topic.
Q: I receive Housing Benefit but cannot pay my full rent. Can I get any other help?
Q: What is a non-dependant deduction?
Q: I think you have calculated my benefit incorrectly?
Q: When will the April 2011 LHA changes affect me?
Q: What is a Shared Accommodation Rate?
