Local Housing Allowance
The Local Housing Allowance scheme (known as LHA) was introduced
nationally on 7 April 2008. It affects new Housing Benefit claims
and changes of address for private sector tenants, although there
are certain exclusions from the scheme such as supported housing
and Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
Two key aspects of the LHA scheme are that:
- There are 'standard rates' of allowance depending on the number
of bedrooms a household requires, published monthly in
advance.
- In most cases, LHA will be paid direct to the tenant rather
than to the landlord.
Although the regulations state that default payment of LHA will
be made direct to the tenant, a 'Safeguard Policy' to protect
vulnerable tenants who have difficulty with their financial
affairs, has been drawn up. Applications can be made to pay LHA to
the landlord in these cases.
What is Local Housing Allowance?
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of working out new
claims for Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a
private landlord. It also affects tenants already getting Housing
Benefit who move to accommodation rented from a private landlord.
LHA was introduced on 7 April 2008.
With Local Housing Allowance, your benefit is not based on the
property you live in. It is based on:
- Who lives with you.
- Which area you live in.
- How much money you have coming in.
- What savings you have.
In some cases the amount of benefit you are entitled to will be
affected by other things. These can include:
- How much your rent is.
- Whether anyone living with you is expected to contribute to
your rent.
Why are we introducing LHA?
LHA gives tenants more choice about where they live. It's fairer
too. This is because with Local Housing Allowance, you:
- Will be entitled to the same amount of Housing Benefit as
people in the same circumstances and in the same area as you.
- Can find out more quickly how much Housing Benefit you can get
before you rent a property.
- Can decide how much you want to spend on renting a
property.
- Will usually get your benefit paid to you. It is up to you to
pay the rent to your landlord.
February 2012 LHA Bedroom Rates
| |
Southend Weekly Rate |
South West Essex Weekly Rate |
| Shared Bedroom LHA |
£65.81 |
£66.96 |
| 1 Bedroom LHA |
£114.23 |
£126.92 |
| 2 Bedroom LHA |
£144.23 |
£155.77 |
| 3 Bedroom LHA |
£183.46 |
£184.62 |
| 4 Bedroom LHA |
£225.00 |
£253.85 |
To find out which rate applies to you, get in touch with us on
01702 318197 or 01702 318198 or email revenues&benefits@rochford.gov.uk
You can check your own LHA rate by contacting the Rent Service
by clicking the link in Related Links below.