Changes to housing benefit

Changes from April 2013 - Social Sector Size Criteria

Housing Benefit will be restricted for some people who are living in a property that is larger than their household size. This will apply to working-age customers renting from a social landlord.

What does it mean for me?

From the 1 April 2013 the amount of Housing Benefit you receive may go down. This is because if you rent from a local authority, a registered housing association or other registered social landlord the amount of Housing Benefit you get will be based on the number of bedrooms your household needs for Housing Benefit purposes.

If you have one or more extra bedrooms your Housing Benefit may be reduced. The amount allowed for rent and any service charges will be reduced by:

- 14% if you have one extra bedroom, or
- 25% if you have two or more extra bedrooms.

How can I find out more information?

The information sheet (link below) tells you more about this and explains how many bedrooms are allowed under these new Housing Benefit rules. This will help you to understand what size of accommodation your Housing Benefit will cover.   The information sheet also tells you who to speak to if you want any further help or advice.