Work out how much Local Housing Allowance you can claim

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a type of housing benefit for those renting from private landlords. The LHA rate depends on the number of bedrooms in your home, with a maximum of four bedrooms. It's important to note that your LHA for benefit calculation is based on your household's bedroom needs, not your rent amount.

Number of bedrooms you are eligible for

Your household size determines how many bedrooms you're eligible for. Only bedrooms count for this purpose, not other rooms like the living room or kitchen. You can claim one bedroom for:

• each couple (married or unmarried)
• anyone over 16
• two children of the same sex under 16
• two children under 10, regardless of sex
• any additional child

Use our Bedrooms calculator to find out your eligibility.

You're also allowed an extra bedroom for a non-resident carer who frequently stays overnight, if there's a medical need. This need can be evidenced by:

• you or your partner's Attendance Allowance
• the middle or highest rate care component of DLA
• the daily living component of the Personal Independence Payment
• a doctor's letter.

Additional bedrooms may be considered for severely disabled children who would normally share, based on:

• medical care needs
• nature and severity of the disability
• nature and frequency of night-time care
• how the disability affects the sleep of the child expected to share

If you have a disability, you might be entitled to separate bedrooms for you and your partner. Contact us if you think this applies to you.

Specific groups with different bedroom entitlements

There are different bedroom entitlements and these are based on meeting certain conditions, these are:

• individuals aged 35 or over who are single and without dependants
• individuals under 35, single and without dependants
• couples without dependants
• care leavers under 22
• severely disabled individuals

Factors affecting the amount of LHA you are entitled to

The amount of Local Housing Allowance you get depends on things such as:

• your income
• your savings
• if anyone aged 18 or over lives with you
• if you have a joint tenancy
• your rent amount

What to do if your rent exceeds LHA

If your rent is higher than your LHA rate, you'll need to cover the difference. You can:

• negotiate a lower rent with your landlord
• seek more affordable accommodation
• explore employment or training opportunities

Using your benefit for rent

Your housing benefit is intended for rent payment. If you do not use your benefit to pay your rent, your landlord may take legal action or attempt to evict you, risking your home.