Housing benefit for people under 35 is changing

The Local Housing Allowance shared room rate, which applies to most single people under 25, is being extended to people aged under 35. The change, which came into effect on 1 January, will affect tenants who rent from, or are considering renting from, a private landlord and claim Housing Benefit.

This means that single tenants under the age of 35 making a new housing benefit claim on or after 1 January 2012 will now only be entitled to the shared room rate rather than the one bedroom rate. This may mean a reduction in the amount of benefit they can receive. The shared room is less than the one bedroom rate, which means that less housing benefit will be paid.

Existing housing benefit claimants in private rented accommodation will have their benefit reduced nine months after their award was last reviewed.

If you think you may be affected by these changes call 0845 120 2093 between 8.00am-6.00pm or visit www.helpwithrent.org.uk.
This restriction does not apply to all single people under 35.