Additional benefits information, leaflets and online calculator
The following are additional leaflets available regarding other
specific areas covered in the administration of
Housing Benefit. You can use this online calculator to determine any
entitlement to benefit based on your income details.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
Discretionary Housing payments may be available to claimants who
are entitled to Housing Benefit and appear to the authority to
require some further assistance in order to meet their housing
costs. The DHP scheme is independent from
Housing Benefit and any award is discretionary.
Claimants are therefore advised that they should not rely on this
scheme to meet any shortfall.
The appropriate application forms can be found below.
The Rent Service (TRS)
The Rent Service is now part of the Valuation Office Agency
(VOA) who are an executive agency of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
TRS provides valuations for local authorities in England, for use
in the assessment of claims for Housing Benefit where the tenant is
renting from a private landlord.
Housing Benefit Determinations
In making a determination the Rent Officer will
consider:
· The level of
rent
· The rent for
similar properties within the vicinity
· The number of
rooms
· The age and number
of people living within the property being assessed
The determination will usually run for 12 months unless there
is a significant change to the property or the number of people
included within the household.
The Rent Service - Local Housing Allowance
(LHA)
As from 7 April 2008, Local Housing
Allowance will affect tenants who move into private
rented accommodation or who claim Housing Benefit for the
first time as a private sector tenant.
There will be separate LHA rates set by the Rent Service based
on the number of bedrooms, allowing prospective tenants to work out
the level of LHA that will be used to calculate their Housing
Benefit. Unlike the present Housing Benefit system, the LHA will be
dependent on the household size and make-up rather than the actual
rent which a landlord charges for a dwelling.
If you are claiming housing benefit and are planning to rent
from a private landlord you can visit
The Rent Service (LHA)
website for further information pertaining to the LHA
scheme. This site also has a bedroom calculator to help you
determine what LHA rate will apply to you.