What is a Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Rate?
From 7 April 2008, all new Housing Benefit claims for privately rented properties are based upon the number of bedrooms you need for your family. Each month we publish the maximum rates of Housing Benefit we will pay for any new claim we receive during that month.
How can I find out how much benefit I will get before I move in to a property?
Before accepting a tenancy or moving in to a private property we strongly advise that you look at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates that apply for the current month. Whilst these rates may vary each month, this will give you a good idea of how much Housing Benefit we will pay. You will need to make sure you look at the rate that fits the number of bedrooms your family needs.
This figure is the maximum amount of benefit you may receive, if you are entitled to full help on the basis of your income and capital. However, in order for us to tell you exactly how much benefit you can expect to receive you should contact or visit us with details of all of your income, capital (savings) and personal circumstances.
We can then provide you with an estimate of your benefit entitlement. This is some times called a 'manual calculation'. You will then be in a position to know if you can afford the rent of the property.
Or you can then use our Benefit Calculator to work out an estimate of how much benefit you will be entitled to.
