Tenants reminded about Local Housing Allowance

Rochdale residents who receive housing benefit to help pay their rent to a private landlord are being reminded about the way their benefits are now calculated.

Since April 2008 tenants of private landlords who make a claim for housing benefit are paid using Local Housing Allowance rules. The amount you get still depends on your income and savings – what has changed is how the maximum amount of benefit you get is worked out.

The Local Housing Allowance rate used depends on the number of bedrooms you need, not how much your weekly or monthly rent is, said Colin Connor, Benefits Manager at Rochdale Borough Council: “These rates are set by the government and can change every month. If your rent increases, the maximum amount of benefit you get will not change as your local housing allowance rate stays the same until your claim is reviewed every 12 months. Then, depending on the rates, the amount you get could go up or down.”

“Even if you work, get a private pension or have savings under £16,000 you may still be entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit.”

Tenants and landlords can check current rates online at rochdale.gov.uk/benefits, in person at any council customer service centre or by calling 0845 121 2970.